UK Biobank releases genetic data on 500,000 participants
The UK Biobank has published genome-wide genotype data on approximately 500,000 adults from across the United Kingdom, all aged between 40 and 69 when they enrolled. The prospective cohort study pairs genetic information with biological measurements, lifestyle indicators, biomarkers in blood and urine, and imaging of the body and brain. Health and medical records provide follow-up data. Researchers at the University of Oxford and collaborators performed centralized quality control, phasing, and imputation that expanded the number of testable variants to around 96 million. The team also imputed classical allelic variation at 11 human leukocyte antigen genes, recovering signals with known associations between HLA alleles and many diseases.
The open-access resource is unique in its size and scope, offering opportunities for discovery of new genetic associations and the genetic bases of complex traits.
Written by the Genomes desk from the primary source cited and linked above and checked against it. Research use only; not medical advice. Corrections: [email protected].