This abstract outlines two major research priorities that address critical public health concerns: the health risks posed by mycotoxins and the challenge of promoting healthy aging. Together, these initiatives aim to generate valuable scientific insights that have broad societal and economic implications, potentially leading to improved healthcare outcomes and enhanced well-being across various age demographics.

The first research priority focuses on mycotoxins, which are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi. These compounds are among the most hazardous food contaminants due to their chronic toxicity, yet they are widespread in the human diet and difficult to avoid. Chronic low-dose exposure to mycotoxins is hypothesized to contribute to an increased risk of multiple cancers in humans, including renal, colorectal, and hepatocellular carcinomas. Recognizing the potential risks posed by cumulative exposure, my research will adopt a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to investigate the complex role mycotoxins play in human carcinogenesis, using large-scale epidemiological studies, advanced mechanistic designs, and a poly-omic approach to obtain a detailed understanding of the human mycobolome, a term that refers to the collection of all mycotoxins and their metabolites within the human body.

This research aims to bridge gaps in knowledge concerning the mechanisms of mycotoxin-induced carcinogenesis. To accurately understand the impact of mycotoxin exposure on health, the initiative will prioritize the identification and validation of mycotoxin biomarkers that reflect individual exposure levels. By characterizing these biomarkers in vitro and validating them through human intervention studies, researchers can delineate human mycotoxicokinetic profiles via metabolomics. This approach allows the research team to establish correlations between external dietary mycotoxin exposure and internal biological levels of these toxins, thereby providing insights into their carcinogenic potential.

Furthermore, to explore the relationship between mycotoxin exposure and cancer risk, the research will leverage large-scale epidemiological population cohorts across Europe and Africa. These cohorts offer diverse exposure patterns and dietary habits, enabling a robust analysis of the association between dietary mycotoxin intake and cancer development across different populations. Such findings will significantly enhance the understanding of region-specific risks and contribute to more targeted public health recommendations.

In addition to epidemiological studies, advanced mechanistic research will be conducted to explore causal relationships and assess the biological pathways affected by mycotoxins. Using state-of-the-art technologies, researchers will map genome-wide mutation spectra associated with chronic, multi-mycotoxin exposure. By identifying specific mutation patterns linked to these exposures, the project will shed light on the molecular underpinnings of mycotoxin-induced carcinogenesis. These insights are expected to contribute to new dietary guidelines and public health interventions aimed at mitigating cancer risks related to mycotoxin exposure, supporting cancer prevention through dietary regulation and awareness campaigns.

The second research priority addresses the global challenge of healthy aging. As populations age, the implications for healthcare systems are profound, with increasing demands on resources to manage age-related diseases. To address this, the Ghent Longitudinal Observational Research Investigating Aging (GLORIA) initiative represents Belgium’s first large-scale cohort study dedicated to understanding the biological, environmental, and social factors influencing healthy aging. The primary goal of GLORIA is to investigate how genetic and environmental factors (the genome and exposome) interact to shape the trajectory of age-related health outcomes. Designed as a 20-year prospective cohort study, GLORIA will recruit 20,000 residents of Ghent aged over 45 to capture a wide range of aging experiences.

GLORIA’s longitudinal design offers an unprecedented opportunity to track the progression of health and aging over time within a representative sample. By collecting extensive metadata and biological samples from participants across five districts of Ghent, selected for their diversity in population density, socioeconomic status, and access to services, GLORIA aims to ensure that its findings are generalizable to a broad cross-section of the population. Such diversity is crucial for developing a nuanced understanding of aging that reflects varied life conditions and health determinants.

The wealth of data collected, spanning clinical, molecular, and environmental variables, along with the biological samples stored in a biobank, positions GLORIA as a sustainable and invaluable resource for aging research. The data and samples will facilitate in-depth analysis of the risk factors, biomarkers, and pathways associated with aging and age-related diseases. This comprehensive data infrastructure is expected to attract collaboration opportunities, both nationally and internationally, driving scientific discovery in aging research and informing future health interventions.

From a societal perspective, both of these research initiatives are poised to deliver substantial public health benefits. The mycotoxin research will support public health agencies in devising safer dietary standards and food safety regulations, ultimately reducing exposure to carcinogenic contaminants and lowering cancer incidence. Awareness campaigns, informed by this research, can guide individuals toward safer dietary choices and increased understanding of dietary health risks, empowering communities to make informed decisions about food safety. Moreover, GLORIA’s findings on aging will equip policymakers and healthcare providers with data to support aging populations more effectively. Insights gained from GLORIA can shape policy development around healthcare for older adults, promoting preventive care and lifestyle recommendations that support healthier, longer lives.

In terms of economic valorization, both research priorities hold promise for substantial cost savings in healthcare and the generation of new economic opportunities. Reducing cancer incidence through better dietary standards could alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with cancer treatment, creating significant savings for healthcare systems and insurers. Mycotoxin research may also foster innovation within the food industry, as companies develop safer food processing techniques and products that minimize mycotoxin contamination. Such advancements can lead to product differentiation and brand loyalty, offering companies a competitive edge in markets increasingly concerned with food safety.

Similarly, GLORIA’s contributions to aging research could have far-reaching economic implications. By identifying key factors that promote healthy aging, GLORIA can contribute to delaying the onset of age-related illnesses, reducing the long-term costs associated with chronic disease management in older populations. This data can inform preventive health programs that help older adults maintain independence and quality of life, potentially reducing the need for extensive medical interventions and caregiving services. Additionally, the biobank and associated data resources could attract pharmaceutical and biotech companies seeking to develop new diagnostics, treatments, and interventions for age-related diseases, further fostering economic growth within the life sciences sector.

In summary, these two research priorities: the study of mycotoxin exposure and cancer risk, and the pursuit of healthy aging, embody a forward-looking and integrative approach to public health. By addressing these pressing health challenges through comprehensive research and cross-disciplinary collaboration, this agenda not only advances scientific understanding but also provides a foundation for societal and economic benefits. The mycotoxin research aims to inform food safety policies and cancer prevention strategies, while GLORIA’s investigation into aging determinants promises to help societies prepare for demographic shifts with evidence-based strategies for health and well-being across the lifespan. Together, these initiatives reflect a commitment to reducing major health risks and fostering a healthier, more resilient population.