Metagenomics and host genetics as predictors of future diseases

The microbiome is linked to many diseases and conditions. We will explore whether microbiome composition can predict the development of diseases later in life, and how much the microbiome adds to the prediction based on genetics (polygenic risk scores, PRS). In this project, we aim to combine the gut microbiome, genetics and environment to predict the development of general health (such as BMI, blood pressure, blood lipids, blood glucose levels, fragility index) and common immune-, mental, renal, cardio- and metabolic diseases (such as type 2 diabetes, depression, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, IBD, IBS), as well as mortality. To do so, we also request detailed lifestyle and environmental factors, such as diet, smoking, sleep quality, socioeconomic status, medicine, exposures, etc.