Grant: Summer Program in Aging

The growing older population challenges us to investigate the physiological consequences of aging and understand the underlying genetic pathway(s) resulting in progression to the age-associated syndrome(s). Genetic biomarkers play a vital role in the aging process. However, so far, minimal attention has been given to identifying the genes associated with two age-associated syndromes: frailty and sarcopenia. Frailty is a multifaceted elderly syndrome characterized by decreased reserves in multiple organ systems. Frail older people are high users of healthcare services. Also, frailty increases the risk of institutionalization. Sarcopenia is defined as the loss of skeletal muscle mass and physical function with age. Loss in muscle not only leads to fracture and frailty. Sarcopenia is also associated with disability and morbidity. The evidence regarding the association between the genetic variants and the age-associated syndrome(s), such as frailty and sarcopenia, is less convincing and warranting further study. The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) has a wealth of data with over 50,000 participants aged 45 to 85 years that can be used to address this gap. Genotype data from more than 26,000 participants provide an enormous opportunity to investigate the genetic biomarkers associated with frailty and sarcopenia. In this study, we will (i) identify the genetic variants, and hence genetic pathway(s), that are associated with frailty and sarcopenia through genome-wide association studies; (ii) assess the risk of frailty and sarcopenia using the polygenic risk score; (iii) implementation of machine learning approach to predict frailty and sarcopenia based on genetic biomarkers. The findings of these research works would be of interest to researchers as they will shed light on the aging process's biological mechanism. Furthermore, these findings will play a significant role in better managing frailty and sarcopenia among older adults.