TwinsUK
TwinsUK
TwinsUK (pronounced: /ˈtwɪnz ˈjuː ˈkeɪ/) is a UK-based national twin registry that conducts genetic and epigenetic studies on twins. The registry was established in 1992 and is currently the largest adult twin registry in the UK.
Etymology
The term "TwinsUK" is a combination of the words "twins" and "UK". "Twins" refers to two offspring produced in the same pregnancy, while "UK" is an abbreviation for the United Kingdom, where the registry is based.
Overview
TwinsUK is a research resource that studies the genetic and environmental causes of age-related diseases and traits. The registry includes more than 13,000 volunteer twins from all over the UK, both identical (monozygotic) and non-identical (dizygotic).
The main aim of TwinsUK is to understand the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to common diseases and traits. The registry has contributed to several significant discoveries in the field of genomics, including the identification of genes associated with diseases such as osteoporosis, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer.
Related Terms
- Monozygotic: Refers to identical twins that develop from one zygote, which splits and forms two embryos.
- Dizygotic: Refers to fraternal twins that develop from two different eggs fertilized by two different sperm cells.
- Genomics: The study of the genomes of organisms.
- Epigenetics: The study of changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression rather than alteration of the genetic code itself.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on TwinsUK
- Wikipedia's article - TwinsUK
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