Sunshine genomics: a gene-environment interaction approach to the study of the genetic determinants of vitamin D status and skin cancer

Abstract

Complex health traits are shaped by the interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Understanding the contributions of these factors is particularly important for traits such as vitamin D status and skin cancer risk, where environmental sun exposure plays a critical role. This thesis explores gene-environment interactions in vitamin D status and in skin cancer using genetic data from the UK Biobank, combined with precise ambient sun exposure measurements derived from satellite-weather data. The integration of environmental data into the genetic and epidemiological models revealed novel insights into the aetiology of both outcomes. These findings expand our understanding of the genetic architecture of these complex traits and highlight the importance of evaluating environmental exposures and gene-environment interactions in health research.