TwinsUK

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TwinsUK[edit | edit source]

TwinsUK logo

TwinsUK is a comprehensive research resource and cohort study based in the United Kingdom, focusing on the study of twins to understand the genetic and environmental influences on complex traits and diseases. Established in 1992, TwinsUK is one of the largest twin registries in the world, comprising over 14,000 identical and non-identical twins.

History[edit | edit source]

TwinsUK was founded by Professor Tim Spector at King's College London. The registry was initially created to study the heritability of osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders. Over the years, the scope of research has expanded to include a wide range of chronic diseases, genetic epidemiology, and epigenetics.

Research Focus[edit | edit source]

The primary aim of TwinsUK is to explore the genetic and environmental determinants of complex traits and diseases. The study covers a broad spectrum of health-related topics, including:

TwinsUK utilizes a variety of research methods, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), epigenetic analyses, and metabolomics.

Contributions to Science[edit | edit source]

TwinsUK has significantly contributed to the understanding of the genetic basis of complex traits. The study has led to the discovery of numerous genetic variants associated with diseases such as type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

The cohort has also been instrumental in advancing the field of epigenetics, providing insights into how environmental factors can influence gene expression and contribute to disease.

Collaborations[edit | edit source]

TwinsUK collaborates with numerous international research projects and consortia, including the International Human Epigenome Consortium and the Global Microbiome Conservancy. These collaborations enhance the study's ability to conduct large-scale analyses and validate findings across different populations.

Data and Resources[edit | edit source]

TwinsUK provides a rich resource of phenotypic and genotypic data, which is available to researchers worldwide. The data includes detailed health questionnaires, biological samples, and imaging data.

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD