ANXIOMICS: Finding the mind, brain and immune pathways to anxiety

We do not know why some people experience anxiety disorders, but with twin heritability estimates of 20 – 60%, our genes play a key causal role. However, the mechanisms through which common genetic variants influence the development of anxiety are unknown.

We will investigate the extent to which these genetic variants shape development across multiple levels of explanation – brain, mind, and immunity.

First, we will test how anxiety related genetic variants impact behavioural and cognitive development in childhood and adolescence.

Second, will investigate the overlap between the genetics of anxiety and the genetics of brain structure and function, both in adults and children.

Thirdly, using both molecular data and linked electronic health record information on infections, we will interrogate the shared genetics between infection and anxiety, and their combined impact on the development of anxiety. A key component of our proposal is the modular enrichment of C-GULL, a landmark new cohort based in Liverpool.

Neuroimaging and deep immunophenotyping in a subset of the cohort will provide pioneering insights into how a genetic likelihood for anxiety shapes early mind, brain and immune development.

This proposal represents a collaboration between the Universities of Cambridge and Liverpool, and lived experience experts.