Aging is a universal and multifactorial biological phenomenon, fundamentally influenced by both genetic predispositions and environmental exposures. While numerous studies have characterized the genetic determinants of longevity and age-related diseases, and others have established the role of lifestyle and environmental influences, the way in which these factors interact to shape the aging process remains poorly understood. This research seeks to bridge this gap by systematically exploring the complex, dynamic interplay between the genome and environment during human aging.

This study will investigate how specific genetic variations interact with key environmental factors—such as diet, exercise, exposure to toxins or pollutants, and psychosocial stress—to modulate biological pathways involved in cellular aging, DNA damage response, metabolic regulation, and the onset of age-associated diseases. Special focus will be placed on epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation and histone modification, as mediators of these gene-environment interactions and as potential biomarkers of aging.

Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, the research will combine high-throughput genomic and epigenomic technologies with detailed environmental and lifestyle data collected from longitudinal cohort studies. Advanced statistical models and bioinformatics tools will be used to identify significant genome-environment interactions and to map their impact on aging-related phenotypes, such as frailty, cognitive decline, immune function, and overall healthspan.

By integrating diverse data sources and analyzing interactions across multiple layers of biological regulation, this project aims to:

1. Elucidate novel mechanisms by which genetic and environmental factors jointly influence the trajectory of aging,
2. Identify high-risk populations and modifiable environmental exposures that accelerate or mitigate the effects of genetic risk, and
3. Inform the development of individualized interventions and public health strategies for promoting healthy aging.

Ultimately, this research will contribute novel insights into the fundamental biology of aging and has the potential to advance precision medicine approaches that optimize lifespan and quality of life based on a person’s unique genomic and environmental profile.

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Genome-Environment Interactions in the Aging Process