Molecular Investigation of GENetic Factors in Cardiovascular and Immune-related Traits and Diseases Using a BIOresource of Healthy Volunteers (GENBIO)

The risk of cardiovascular disease is determined by the complex interplay between an individual's genetic make-up, lifestyle, and the environment. The researchers in this observational, cross-sectional, recall-by-genotype study are investigating two potential genetic risk factors; the SWAP70 gene is thought to play a role in the immune response modulating cardiovascular disease risk and the GMPR gene plays a role in red blood cell formation. The investigators hope to identify and characterise distinct molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying candidate functional variants identified in genetic studies of cardiovascular and immune-related human traits and diseases. Healthy volunteers who are part of the NIHR BioResource and have already been genotyped will be invited to the study based on their genotype of the candidate functional variants of interest. Volunteers will attend a single study visit, during which they will complete procedures including a medical, demographic and lifestyle factors questionnaire; height, weight and body fat assessments; in addition to blood pressure/heart rate measurements. A minimally invasive procedure of a venepuncture will be performed to assess the primary objectives of the study. The obtained data may (1) improve understanding of biological and disease mechanisms; (2) identify potential drug targets; and (3) improve insight into the therapeutic potential and limitations of existing and emerging therapies. This study is funded by the UK Medical Research Council, British Heart Foundation and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre.