The HUNT study: A population-based cohort for genetic research

• Published in: Cell genomics Vol. 2; no. 10; p. 100193
• Main Authors: Brumpton, Ben M., Graham, Sarah, Surakka, Ida, Skogholt, Anne Heidi, Løset, Mari, Fritsche, Lars G., Wolford, Brooke, Zhou, Wei, Nielsen, Jonas Bille, Holmen, Oddgeir L., Gabrielsen, Maiken E., Thomas, Laurent, Bhatta, Laxmi, Rasheed, Humaira, Zhang, He, Kang, Hyun Min, Hornsby, Whitney, Moksnes, Marta Riise, Coward, Eivind, Melbye, Mads, Giskeødegård, Guro F., Fenstad, Jørn, Krokstad, Steinar, Næss, Marit, Langhammer, Arnulf, Boehnke, Michael, Abecasis, Gonçalo R., Åsvold, Bjørn Olav, Hveem, Kristian, Willer, Cristen J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 12.10.2022
• Subjects: big data; biobank; cardiovascular health; complex disease; electronic health records; genetic epidemiology; genetics; longitudinal; omics; public health; genetics; omics; complex disease; electronic health records; longitudinal; big data; biobank; cardiovascular health; public health; genetic epidemiology
• ISSN: 2666-979X; 2666-979X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2022.100193

The Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) is a population-based cohort of ∼229,000 individuals recruited in four waves beginning in 1984 in Trøndelag County, Norway. Approximately 88,000 of these individuals have available genetic data from array genotyping. HUNT participants were recruited during four community-based recruitment waves and provided information on health-related behaviors, self-reported diagnoses, family history of disease, and underwent physical examinations. Linkage via the Norwegian personal identification number integrates digitized health care information from doctor visits and national health registries including death, cancer and prescription registries. Genome-wide association studies of HUNT participants have provided insights into the mechanism of cardiovascular, metabolic, osteoporotic, and liver-related diseases, among others. Unique features of this cohort that facilitate research include nearly 40 years of longitudinal follow-up in a motivated and well-educated population, family data, comprehensive phenotyping, and broad availability of DNA, RNA, urine, fecal, plasma, and serum samples. [Display omitted] •The Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) is a large, genotyped population-based cohort•Comprehensive health-related information is available with nearly 40 years follow-up•A national personal identification number integrates digitized health care information•GWASs of HUNT participants have provided insights into mechanism of disease Brumpton et al. present the genetic cohort profile of the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), a large, genotyped population-based cohort from Trøndelag County, Norway. They describe the extraordinarily rich features that make it an excellent cohort for genetic research. These include repeated survey data since 1984, broad availability of biological material, and the possibility to link with patient electronic health records and population registries. They show how HUNT has aided in understanding the genetic contribution to human traits and disease and describe future opportunities for research.