GENBIO
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Molecular investigation of genetic factors in cardiovascular and immune-related traits and diseases using a BioResource of healthy volunteers
IRAS ID
233909
Contact name
Emanuele Di Angelantonio
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Cambridge
Duration of Study in the UK
6 years, 8 months, 30 days
Research summary
The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and immune-related diseases is determined by the interplay between an individual’s genetic make-up, lifestyle and environment. Large-scale, genetic studies have identified specific genetic variants (parts of the DNA code) associated with CVD, their risk factors (e.g. blood pressure) and relevant traits (e.g. blood cells). We aim to investigate molecular and cellular mechanisms in blood cells that are associated with these genetic variants. This will potentially provide opportunities to identify targets for new interventions against CVD, leading to the development of improved therapies.
Healthy volunteers, who are members of the NIHR BioResource panel and whose genetic make-up has previously been determined from a blood or saliva sample, are invited to take part in the GENBIO study. For each investigation (known as a recall-by-genotype study), the selection of participants is based on whether they carry a particular genetic variant of interest (‘carrier’) or not (‘non-carrier’) in order to compare the molecular and cellular properties between the two groups. Over the 5-year study period, participants are invited to attend one visit per recall-by-genotype study to the NIHR BioResource. Study measurements include a medical/lifestyle questionnaire, height, weight, blood pressure and a blood sample. We aim to recruit male and female volunteers who are aged 18 or over and do not have chronic diseases e.g. CVD, autoimmune disease and cancer.
Sampling analysis techniques include but are not limited to immuno-phenotyping (e.g. fluorescence-activated cell sorting), bespoke cell function tests, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics and metabolomics. Sample analysis will be undertaken at the Department of Haematology, the Department of Medicine at Addenbrooke’s hospital and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. Core funding for this study is provided by the Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit at the Department of Public Health and Primary Care at the University of Cambridge e.g. through grants from the UK Medical Research Council (MR/L0031201/1), British Heart Foundation (RG/13/13/30194) and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre.
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
17/WA/0397
Date of REC Opinion
5 Dec 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion