Past Projects
1997-1999
Identification of novel genetic loci mapping to chromosome
This study identified potential genetic factors associated with osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
1997-2002
Collection of biological materials from a knee Osteoarthritis case.
The collection of biological materials from knee OA cases has enabled a multitude of research papers to be published in the field of OA that cover all aspects of the field, from the early clinical manifestations of the disease to the revelation of the environmental and genetic causes of OA.
2002-2005
Twin Migraine Study
Certain conditions characterised by blood vessel constrictions (such as hypertension, migraine, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and coronary artery disease) have been found to be related in epidemiological studies. However, the biological causes for these associations remain controversial. This study used a classical twin design to show that these conditions are linked through a common underlying genetic propensity to blood vessel spasms.
2007-2010
The genetic basis of variation in response to dietary supplements
This research has resulted in the identification of the genetic basis for adverse drug reactions and individual responses to vitamin supplementation.
2012-2015
Funding for DNA collection in fibromyalgia.
A DNA resource from 2000 people having chronic widespread pain (CWP) will be constructed, and then genomic/epigenomic pain candidates identified in twins will be validated in patients.
2013-2016
Funding for twin recruitment and DNA collection in Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Recruit and examine new twin pairs with at least one member of each pair having RA, in collaboration with patient associations and clinical rheumatologists in the UK, to perform DNA and RNA extraction and store blood samples for the study of RA.
2016 - 2021
The Urinary Microbiome and its Relation to Morbidity in Older People
Urinary symptoms and signs in the elderly are closely linked to frailty, delirium, and distress. However, our understanding of the relationship between urinary flora and morbidity is limited, leading to unnecessary antibiotic use. This study could challenge the long-held belief that urine is sterile and help understand how different urinary microbes affect the host. First, identifying microbial populations in older people is essential to generate testable hypotheses. In the short term, simple midstream urine analysis could be used to guide management of older adults.
2017 – 2024
Exploring the cardio-metabolic health associated with the faecal metabolome.
This project aimed to increase our understanding of how molecules produced by microbes influence our health. This study aimed to identify the biochemical signature of cardio-metabolic health in the faecal metabolome and to determine its links with diet, the gut microbiome and host genetics. Understanding these links offers a unique target for intervention to prevent and reverse chronic disease. This is a novel proposal, and we are the first group worldwide to use faecal metabolites as health indicators.
2017 – 2022
A statistical framework for personalised nutrition recommendations based on genetic and anthropometric data.
This project explored the genetic influences on a healthy diet and its impact on disease and ageing. The intended outcome is the identification of patterns in the genome that can predict responses to diet to improve health. The study will investigate the relationship between genetic factors, dietary habits, anthropometric traits, and cardio-metabolic traits to propose personalised nutrition recommendations and minimise the risk of obesity.
2018 – 2023
Influence of the gut microbiome on inter-individual differences in blood pressure at fasting and in response to a combined glycaemic and lipaemic test meal challenge.
This study assessed the relationship between the gut microbiome, fasting, and post-prandial blood pressure (BP). It aimed to identify bacterial species and pathways involved in this process using ambulatory BP measures and assess how they interact with diet and age. The goal was to design personalised dietary guidelines and interventions aimed at treating and preventing hypertension based on the composition of the individual's gut microbiome.
2019 – 2022
Novel computational and multivariate approaches to exploring diet-microbiome relations
This study aimed to assess the roles of host genetics, diet, and the gut microbiome in fat accumulation. Twins are ideal for distinguishing genetic and environmental influences on human traits, but there are few models to separate diet and microbiome effects in obesity-related cardiometabolic diseases. The study used food frequency questionnaires (at three time points) and 24-hour diet records, alongside shotgun metagenomics of the gut microbiome in 1,000 TwinsUK volunteers. It employed new food classification methods to better understand how long- and short-term food choices impact the microbiome. These findings will enhance our understanding of the microbiome's effect on visceral fat.
2020 – 2024
The Covid Symptom Study Application: Research Platform and Biobank
The COVID Symptom Study App, launched in March 2020 by ZOE Global Ltd and King’s College London, has over 4 million sign-ups and 165 million daily symptom reports. It provided vital insights for UK COVID-19 policy, developed a predictive algorithm, and served as a clinical research tool. The project expanded to create an interactive platform for health researchers, established a biobank for sample collection, and enhanced the dissemination of research findings to the public. This initiative has improved early warning systems to support at-risk groups during the pandemic.
2019 – 2026
Using faecal metabolomics and serum glycomics to unravel the microbiome inflammatory pathways causative of cardiovascular disease.
This project analysed data from over 4,000 twins to determine how gut microbial metabolites influenced heart disease, positively or negatively. Using Mendelian Randomisation, we examined how genetics affected microbial chemical production to identify which substances caused heart disease, rather than resulted from poor health. We created a database of these genetic and chemical relationships and integrated it with data from the PREDICT study, where 1,000 people consumed a high-fat meal to increase blood fats and glycosylated proteins. We assessed how microbial substances impacted cholesterol and glycosylated protein levels to better understand personalised dietary interventions to reduce heart disease risk.
1997-1999
Identification of novel genetic and environmental influences in osteoporosis
This study revealed the genetic and environmental risk factors that influence osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and back pain. Understanding the underlying causes of these conditions is a crucial step in developing new therapies for these common ageing conditions.
1998-1999
Osteoporosis- genetic susceptibility
This study searched for the genetic factors associated with Osteoporosis in an affected family and was responsible for identifying potential genetic factors associated with this condition.
2003-2006
Genetic epidemiology of cognitive behaviour
This study examined the effectiveness of self-report memory tests, which previously received little attention. It found heritability estimates of 37% to 64% for contentment (e.g., worrying about memory) and around 45% for ability (e.g., tendency to forget keys). These tests proved useful in large-scale population memory studies and will aid future cognitive research. The study also identified a potential genetic region for forgetfulness and demonstrated that large-scale gene discovery is possible using self-report memory questionnaires.
2007-2010
Skin ageing in relation to telomere length and vitamin D metabolism
This study showed, for the first time, that ‘moley’ people who have a slightly increased risk of melanoma may, on the other hand, have the benefit of reduced susceptibility to age-related diseases such as heart disease or osteoporosis.
2011-2012
Understanding the genetic predisposition to migraine meta-analysis approach
Migraine is the most common brain disorder; however, the molecular mechanisms giving rise to them are poorly understood. The migraine consortium involved research into the genetic determinants of migraine and its subsets, migraine with aura and migraine without aura.
2015-2016
Investigation of microbiome in rheumatoid arthritis in discordant monozygotic twins.
There is good evidence that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is influenced, and perhaps even caused, by alterations in the gut microbiome. The microbiome is, in turn, influenced by the host organism's genotype. Thus, twins are the perfect experimental model to study the gut microbiome's influence in RA.
2016 - 2020
Biotwincot – Biology of twins from conception to toddler
Foetal programming refers to the body's adaptive responses to environmental cues, and how mismatches between prenatal and postnatal environments can permanently affect structure, function, and metabolism, contributing to adult disease. The microbiome—microorganisms in and on the body—and its acquisition in humans are poorly understood.
This project addressed this deficiency by studying the human microbiome longitudinally during early development, starting as early as possible in pregnancy, using nature's controlled experiment: twins. The project aimed to pilot the microbiome collection and additional biological samples from 10 mothers and twin pairs at four time points during the first year of life to assess the feasibility of supporting a major project of this kind.
2017 – 2022
Utilising omega 3 and fibre to improve metabolic health: a proof of concept nutritional intervention study targeting the gut microbiome.
The importance of gut microbiota in human health is clear. Unlike our genomes, it is highly modifiable and linked to metabolic and immune functions, energy and fatty acid metabolism, and satiety hormones. We recently showed that serum omega-3 levels correlate with greater microbiome diversity and lower gut inflammation. The study will measure faecal short-chain fatty acids and microbial species associated with inflammation and immune cell profiles to explore the links between diet, inflammation, and metabolic syndrome. There is a lack of good diet intervention studies in this area, and if successful, this trial could lead to funding for more such studies.
2018 – 2020
Gut microbiome modulation of fasting glucose homeostasis and postprandial glycaemic response in TwinsUK and PREDICT: towards personalised diet for healthy ageing.
This pioneering study identified a personalised diet tailored to an individual’s microbiome and dietary responses using bioinformatics. Insulin resistance is common globally and linked to many age-related conditions. Evidence shows that age, reduced diversity, and microbiome fragility contribute to insulin resistance. Preventive measures typically recommend general dietary guidelines to reduce calorie intake or focus on the glycaemic index. However, glycaemic response varies greatly between individuals, with microbiome differences explaining much of this. The study aimed to identify bacteria and pathways involved in glucose regulation during fasting and after meals, and to examine their interactions with diet and age. Findings will inform personalised dietary guidelines and interventions to prevent insulin resistance, tailored to age and gut bacteria.
2020 - 2021
Targeted metabolomics of urine samples to understand the role of the gut microbiota in food polyphenol metabolism.
Polyphenols are metabolites found in common foods like tea, coffee and red wine. They support metabolic health, partly through the gut microbiota. However, the influence of microbiota composition on polyphenol benefits remains unclear. Twins offer an ideal model to study genetic and environmental effects on human traits. In this pilot study, urine polyphenol profiles from 100 twin pairs, along with dietary and microbiota data, provide insights into food polyphenol metabolism and host health. These findings enhance understanding of diet-microbiota interactions and support future research funding. The study was supported by experts in polyphenols, epidemiology, and microbiome studies at King’s College London, within the Department of Twin Research and Nutritional Sciences. It is of broad interest to microbiome, nutrition, and metabolic syndrome researchers and aligns with efforts to develop new methods for studying diet-microbiome-health links.
2020 – 2022
TwinsUK Covid-19 Research Program
The COVID-19 pandemic was a major public health emergency. A quick twin study helped improve understanding and prevention. TwinsUK, with about 7,000 active twin pairs across the UK, is a unique resource. Besides being twins, they reflect the wider UK population.
Using the TwinsUK cohort offers significant advantages over new or case-only studies because (a) they are twins, which allows for heritability assessment and control of environmental factors, (b) they are nationally representative and community-based, providing an accurate picture of the pandemic, (c) they are extensively characterised, enabling many analyses with minimal additional phenotyping, (d) TwinsUK and GSTT-KCL NIHR BRC are well equipped to handle such a study, and (e) the Wellcome Trust and MRC support the cohort and may expand this into a long-term Covid-19 Bioresource.