The Project’s major objective was to develop a detailed map of the location of genes in the human chromosome and to sequence the DNA (chemical structure).
A worldwide collaboration largely funded by public sector money from the USA and the Sanger Institute UK.
The DNA sequencing was carried out by 20 biotechnology centres including China, France, Germany, UK, Japan and USA.
It revolutionised the study of genetics and development of biotechnology.
Only 0.2% of all human DNA differs between individuals; in other words, people are 99.8% the same.
A staggering 97% of all human DNA has no known function.
Twin volunteers take part in our research by attending twin visits, completing questionnaires and through donating biological samples either by post or at the twin visit. Our researchers use this information to study how our genes and the environment influence diseases and ageing. There are a several different ways to study health and ageing.
We collect more than 10,000 pieces of information at twin visits and through questionnaires. A lot of the information we collect is from more than one point in time, which means it is very useful for studying how we change as we age.
We collect more than 10,000 pieces of information at twin visits and through questionnaires. A lot of the information we collect is from more than one point in time, which means it is very useful for studying how we change as we age.
This information is then used by researchers to study the genetic and environmental factors associated with complex diseases and ageing. There are a number of different approaches to studying these fields of health and ageing.
| Blood count (†Haemoglobin, WCC) | Blood sugar levels (†Glucose, Insulin) | Fats (†Total Cholesterol, Apolipoprotein A1) |
| Liver function (†Total Bilirubin, Albumin) | Kidney function (†Uric acid, Creatinine) | Bone marker (†Vitamin D25OH) |
| Electrolytes (†Potassium, Chloride) | Blood clotting factors | Salivary enzymes (Amylase) |
| Metal detection | Glycans | Antibodies (IgE) |
| Anthropometric measures | Whole body scan (visceral fat) | Blood pressure |
| Grip strength | Bone mineral density | Lung function |
| Heart function(ECG, cardiac ultrasound) | Eye test | Hearing test |
| Pain assessment | Cognitive function | Physical performance |
| Allergy test |
This information is then used by researchers to study the genetic and environmental factors associated with complex diseases and ageing. There are a number of different approaches to studying these fields of health and ageing.
| Health Status & History | Behavioural & Personality Traits, Mental Health | Environmental & Socio-economic factors |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory system (†asthma) | Personality (Big five, optimism) | Diet |
| Cardiology (heart) | Depression | Alcohol |
| Gastrointestinal (†IBS) | Anxiety | Smoking |
| Neurological (†memory) | Eating disorders | Geography |
| Psychiatry | Mental health (SF36, GHQ) | Pollution |
| Oncology (cancer) | Education | |
| Rheumatological (†OA) | Employment | |
| Dermatology (skin) | Socioeconomic status | |
| Ophthalmology (eyes) | Sexuality | |
| Hearing | Marital Status | |
| Dental | Family Structure | |
| Endocrinology (†diabetes) | Family history of disease | |
| Urology (bladder and urinary system) | ||
| Nephrology (kidneys) | ||
| Obstetric and gynaecological (pregnancy and women’s health information) | ||
| Musculoskeletal (†back pain) | ||
| Allergy | ||
| Surgery | ||
| Medication | ||
| Immunology | ||
| General pain | ||
| Sexual function | ||
| Self-reported health |
This information is then used by researchers to study how genetics and the environment influence complex diseases and ageing. There are several different approaches to studying health and ageing.
Using information from thousands of twins, we are extending our research using other ‘omics’ approaches. We are studying proteins (proteomics), how the genetic messenger molecule RNA is produced by the genome (transcriptomics), and how the immune system controls itself and responds to microbes (immunomics).
Different versions of the same gene are called alleles. They can either be recessive or dominant. So for any given gene an individual can have the same (homozygous) allele or two different (heterozygous) allele’s, one inherited from each parent.
There are 23 pairs of chromosomes located in the nucleus of each cell of our body inherited from each of our parent’s. They are made up of genes and these consist of a sequence of DNA.
DEXA stands for 'dual energy x-ray absorptiometry'. It is a test that measures the density of bones by calculating a score of the average density of the bone according to your age and your population. A low score indicates that the bone is less dense than it should be. This loss in bone density makes you more prone to fractures.
Non-identical twins’ also known as fraternal or dizygotic (DZ) twins are the result of two separate eggs becoming fertilised by two sperm, resulting in two completely distinct pregnancies in the womb at the same time. On average, these twins will share half (50%) of their genes, just like any other siblings. Two thirds of twins are non-identical and may be same sex or male/female pair. Non-identical twins always have two placentas, although the placentas may appear to be fused into one.
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) has as structure like a ladder all twisted up in what is called a ‘double-helix’. It is made up of 4 chemical codes represented by letters AGTC - Adenine (A), Guanine (G), Thymine (T) and Cytosine (C) and the arrangement of these letters is what acts like an instruction manual for the growth and development of our body
DNA sequencing is the mapping of our genetic information in greater detail using biotechnology techniques.
Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in the function of how the genome works that occurs without any physical changes in the DNA sequence.
Non-identical twins’ also known as fraternal or dizygotic (DZ) twins are the result of two separate eggs becoming fertilised by two sperm, resulting in two completely distinct pregnancies in the womb at the same time. On average, these twins will share half (50%) of their genes, just like any other siblings. Two thirds of twins are non-identical and may be same sex or male/female pair. Non-identical twins always have two placentas, although the placentas may appear to be fused into one.
Gene is defined as a basic unit of inheritance that carries a set of instructions.
The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.
Genetic propensity is a term used to explain genetic predisposition which influences a physical trait (phenotype) of an individual.
Genetic predisposition (susceptibility) is the increased likelihood of a person developing a particular disease based on their genetic profile.
Genotype refers to the genetic make-up of a cell (letters of the DNA) containing instructions from each parent.
Genotyping is the technical process used for determining genetic make-up of an individual‘s DNA profile.
Glycomics is the comprehensive study of glycomes (the entire complement of sugars, whether free or present in more complex molecules of an organism), including genetic, physiologic and pathologic.
Heritability is the contribution of genetic differences to observed difference among individuals for a particular trait in a particular population.
A detailed map of the location of genes in the human chromosome and the sequence (chemical structure) of the DNA.
Identical or monozygotic (MZ) twins occur when a single fertilised egg splits into two after conception. This happens around the time the fertilised egg is becoming implanted in the womb. These twins will share all (100%) of their genes. Only one third of all twins are identical and these pairs are always of the same sex. Monozygotic twins may have one shared placenta or two separate placentas or two fused into one.
Microbiome is the medical term used to describe the bacterial organisms that live naturally in and on our body.
Metabolomics is the scientific study of chemical processes involving metabolites such as sugars and fats, in the cells.
Approx 25% of Identical twins can appear different in a fascinating way - they may exhibit mirror-image features such as opposite hair whorls, hair partings or opposite dominant hands and/or feet.
Another place where DNA is found is in the mitochondria; this unique DNA codes for mitochondrial proteins that convert the energy from food into a form that cells can use. Mitochondria largely comes from the mother via her egg.
Identical or monozygotic (MZ) twins occur when a single fertilised egg splits into two after conception. This happens around the time the fertilised egg is becoming implanted in the womb. These twins will share all (100%) of their genes. Only one third of all twins are identical and these pairs are always of the same sex. Monozygotic twins may have one shared placenta or two separate placentas or two fused into one.
Non-identical twins’ also known as fraternal or dizygotic (DZ) twins are the result of two separate eggs becoming fertilised by two sperm, resulting in two completely distinct pregnancies in the womb at the same time. On average, these twins will share half (50%) of their genes, just like any other siblings. Two thirds of twins are non-identical and may be same sex or male/female pair. Non-identical twins always have two placentas, although the placentas may appear to be fused into one.
Nutriomics. is the study of how diet affects many other processes in our bodies.
Omics refers to the collective technologies used to explore the roles, relationships, and actions of the various types of molecules that make up the cells of an organism.
Phenotype is a physical or behavioural characteristic of an individual that is influenced by genes and environment such as height, eye colour, or hair colour.
Also known as half identical twins. Sometimes before conception occurs a single unfertilised egg splits into two and is then fertilised by separate sperm. It is not known how many twins fall into this category but on average they share 75% of their genes.
Zygosity is a term used to explain whether you are an identical or non-identical twin and depends on whether you share half or all your genes with your twin.
