Dr Christopher G. Bell

Profile

ORCID iD: 0000-0003-4601-1242

Christopher Bell gained his PhD in human genomics from Imperial College London, investigating genetic susceptibility to type 2 diabetes and obesity under the supervision of Prof. Philippe Froguel. His post-doctoral training was with Prof. Stephan Beck at the UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, where they pioneered the epigenomic analysis of common human disease. This included publishing some of the very first Epigenome-wide Association Studies (EWAS) as well as ground-breaking integrative analyses of the DNA methylome within common disease-associated loci. He subsequently furthered his epigenomics expertise interrogating the deeply-phenotyped TwinsUK cohort, with Prof. Tim Spector, at King’s College London, and then as an independent group leader at the MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit. He is a medical graduate of the University of Otago, New Zealand and, through training with the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, in Sydney, gained his fellowship of genetic pathology. 

He is an expert in human epigenomics and its role in the pathology of common disease, with a specific focus on type 2 diabetes, cardiometabolic disorders, and chronic ageing-related diseases. His research involves large-scale computational, statistical, and functional integration of multi-omic human datasets.

He is an Associate Editor for the journals ‘Epigenetics’ and ‘Clinical Epigenetics’. Also, he is a Digital Environment Research Institute (DERI) Fellow.

Research

Group members

• Dr Paraskevi Christofidou (Post-Doctoral Researcher)

Summary

Our research is focused on understanding the pathophysiology of common and chronic human diseases, by investigating and integrating large-scale epigenomic, genomic, and transcriptomic data. This knowledge will enable a more precise insight into the perturbed molecular mechanisms involved in these diseases, with the ultimate aim of identifying novel avenues for treatment and prevention.

Due to the power now available from population-based multi-omic datasets, human diseases can be directly studied at scale with the human as model. Our work centres on:

• How disease-related genetic variation impacts on the epigenome and, thereby, leads to pathological functional changes in disease-relevant cell-types. This, for example, has included defining obligatory or facilitative allelic DNA methylome variation within disease-associated loci in the human genome.
• Interrogating the ageing-related deterioration of the epigenome. Recent fascinating discoveries have revealed these changes capture aspects of ‘biological’ ageing that impact on population variability in age-related phenotypes and may bring novel mechanistic insights to chronic ageing-related diseases.
• The robust biomarker ability of DNA methylation to capture and quantitate both internal and external chronic disease-related exposures. We are investigating their predictive power in combination with ageing- and phenotype-related DNA methylation ‘clocks’ (constructed with ML methodology) as well as genetic risk scores. The aim is to determine the potential clinical utility of these biomarkers, with the analysis of longitudinal datasets taking advantage of the long-term stability of DNA modifications.

This research into metabolic disorders, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases encompasses the broad themes of epigenomics; functional genomics; computational medicine; statistical genomics, bioinformatics, and genomic medicine. We are also a core member of the cross-cutting QMUL Epigenetics Hub.

Publications

• Ramírez J, van Duijvenboden S, Young WJ et al. (2024). Fine mapping of candidate effector genes for heart rate. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1007/s00439-024-02684-z

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/98893
• Bell CG (2024). Quantifying stochasticity in the aging DNA methylome. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1038/s43587-024-00634-y

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/97990
• Bell CG (2024). Epigenomic insights into common human disease pathology. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05206-2

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/96180
• Maiarù M, Acton RJ, Woźniak EL et al. (publicationYear). A DNA methylation signature in the stress driver gene Fkbp5 indicates a neuropathic component in chronic pain. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01569-8

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/91157
• van Duijvenboden S, Ramírez J, Young WJ et al. (2023). Integration of genetic fine-mapping and multi-omics data reveals candidate effector genes for hypertension. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2023.08.009

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/91151
• Saunderson EA, Encabo HH, Devis J et al. (2023). CRISPR/dCas9 DNA methylation editing is heritable during human hematopoiesis and shapes immune progeny. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2300224120

  
  

  QMRO: https://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/91866
• McErlean P, Bell CG, Hewitt RJ et al. (2021). DNA Methylome Alterations are Associated with Airway Macrophage Differentiation and Phenotype During Lung Fibrosis.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202101-0004OC

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/74816
• Acton R, Yuan W, Gao F et al. (2021). The Genomic Loci of Specific Human tRNA Genes Exhibit Ageing-Related DNA Hypermethylation. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22639-6

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/71340
• Berjawi M, Bell CG (2021). The Therapeutic Potential of Epigenome-Modifying Drugs in Cardiometabolic Disease. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1007/s40142-021-00198-y

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/70953
• Lechner M, Schartinger VH, Steele CD et al. (2021). Somatostatin receptor 2 expression in nasopharyngeal cancer is induced by Epstein Barr virus infection: impact on prognosis, imaging and therapy. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20308-8

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/70061
• McErlean P, Bell C, Hewitt R et al. (2020). Epigenetic alterations underlie airway macrophage differentiation and phenotype during lung fibrosis. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1101/2020.12.04.410191

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Acton R, Yuan W, Gao F et al. (2019). The Genomic Loci of Specific Human tRNA Genes Exhibit Ageing-Related DNA Hypermethylation. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1101/870352

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/71338
• Bell C, Lowe R, Adams P et al. (2019). DNA methylation aging clocks: challenges and recommendations. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1186/s13059-019-1824-y

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/62983
• Bowler EH, Smith-Vidal A, Lester A et al. (2019). Deep proteomic analysis of Dnmt1 mutant/hypomorphic colorectal cancer cells reveals dysregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and subcellular re-localization of Beta-Catenin.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2019.1656154

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/60939
• Curtis EM, Krstic N, Cook E et al. (2019). Gestational Vitamin D Supplementation Leads to Reduced Perinatal RXRA DNA Methylation: Results From the MAVIDOS Trial. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.3603

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/61072
• Curtis EM, Titcombe P, Edwards M et al. (2018). 090 DNA methylation and its relationship with musculoskeletal health in older adults from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study: findings from an epigenome-wide association study. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/key075.314

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Thurner M, van de Bunt M, Torres JM et al. (publicationYear). Integration of human pancreatic islet genomic data refines regulatory mechanisms at Type 2 Diabetes susceptibility loci. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.7554/elife.31977

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/32245
• Bell CG, Gao F, Yuan W et al. (2018). Obligatory and facilitative allelic variation in the DNA methylome within common disease-associated loci. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01586-1

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/61067
• Curtis EM, Titcombe P, Edwards M et al. (2018). DNA METHYLATION AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL HEALTH IN OLDER ADULTS FROM THE HERTFORDSHIRE COHORT STUDY: FINDINGS FROM AN EPIGENOME-WIDE ASSOCIATION STUDY. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: doi

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/70362
• Simner C, Novakovic B, Lillycrop KA et al. (2017). DNA methylation of amino acid transporter genes in the human placenta. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.10.010

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/62231
• Bell CG (2017). The Epigenomic Analysis of Human Obesity. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1002/oby.21909

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/60940
• Acton RJ, Bell CG (publicationYear). Cancer detection and tissue of origin determination with novel annotation and scoring of cell-free methylated DNA. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.21037/amj.2017.08.02

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Curtis EM, Murray R, Titcombe P et al. (2017). Perinatal DNA Methylation at CDKN2A Is Associated With Offspring Bone Mass: Findings From the Southampton Women's Survey. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.3153

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/61074
• Cook E, Curtis EM, Krstic N et al. (2017). 157. PERINATAL DNA METHYLATION AT THE RXRA PROMOTER IS ASSOCIATED WITH GESTATIONAL VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTATION: RESULTS FROM THE MAVIDOS TRIAL. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex062.158

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Curtis E, Cook E, Krstic N et al. (2017). DNA METHYLATION AT THE RXRA PROMOTER AT BIRTH IS ASSOCIATED WITH GESTATIONAL VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTATION: RESULTS FROM THE MAVIDOS TRIAL. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: doi

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/70467
• Curtis E, Krstic N, Cook E et al. (2017). Maternal gestational vitamin D supplementation alters perinatal RXRA DNA methylation: findings from the MAVIDOS trial.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: doi

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/70363
• Cook E, Curtis EM, Krstic N et al. (2017). PERINATAL DNA METHYLATION AT THE RXRA PROMOTER IS ASSOCIATED WITH GESTATIONAL VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTATION: RESULTS FROM THE MAVIDOS TRIAL. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: doi

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/70469
• Curtis E, Titcombe P, Edwards M et al. (2017). RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN DNA METHYLATION AND MUSCULOSKELETAL HEALTH FROM AN EPIGENOME WIDE ASSOCIATION STUDY: THE HERTFORDSHIRE COHORT. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: doi

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/70468
• Roos L, Sandling JK, Bell CG et al. (2017). Higher Nevus Count Exhibits a Distinct DNA Methylation Signature in Healthy Human Skin: Implications for Melanoma.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2016.11.029

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/61076
• Bell CG (2016). Insights in human epigenomic dynamics through comparative primate analysis. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2016.09.003

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/60941
• Bell CG, Xia Y, Yuan W et al. (2016). Novel regional age-associated DNA methylation changes within human common disease-associated loci. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1186/s13059-016-1051-8

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/61075
• Livshits G, Gao F, Malkin I et al. (2016). Contribution of Heritability and Epigenetic Factors to Skeletal Muscle Mass Variation in United Kingdom Twins.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1210/jc.2016-1219

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/60825
• Maiarù M, Tochiki KK, Cox MB et al. (2016). The stress regulator FKBP51 drives chronic pain by modulating spinal glucocorticoid signaling. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aab3376

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Roos L, van Dongen J, Bell CG et al. (2016). Integrative DNA methylome analysis of pan-cancer biomarkers in cancer discordant monozygotic twin-pairs. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1186/s13148-016-0172-y

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/70840
• Bell CG (2016). Chapter 17 The Emerging Potential for Epigenetic Therapeutics in Noncancer Disorders. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-802208-5.00017-5

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Willemsen G, Ward KJ, Bell CG et al. (2015). The Concordance and Heritability of Type 2 Diabetes in 34,166 Twin Pairs From International Twin Registers: The Discordant Twin (DISCOTWIN) Consortium. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1017/thg.2015.83

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Pipinikas CP, Dibra H, Karpathakis A et al. (2015). Epigenetic dysregulation and poorer prognosis in DAXX-deficient pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1530/erc-15-0108

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/70841
• Bell CG (2015). The emerging potential for epigenetic therapeutics in noncancer disorders. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-802208-5.00017-5

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Yuan W, Xia Y, Bell CG et al. (publicationYear). An integrated epigenomic analysis for type 2 diabetes susceptibility loci in monozygotic twins. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6719

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/63863
• Bell CG, Wilson GA, Butcher LM et al. (2012). Human-specific CpG “beacons” identify loci associated with human-specific traits and disease. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.4161/epi.22127

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/63967
• Roos L, Spector TD, Bell CG (2014). Using epigenomic studies in monozygotic twins to improve our understanding ofcancer. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.2217/epi.14.13

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Wilson GA, Butcher LM, Foster HR et al. (publicationYear). Human-specific epigenetic variation in the immunological Leukotriene B4 Receptor (LTB4R/BLT1) implicated in common inflammatory diseases. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1186/gm536

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/65439
• Bell CG, Wilson GA, Beck S (2014). Human-specific CpG beacons identify human-specific prefrontal cortex H3K4me3 chromatin peaks. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.2217/epi.13.74

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Bell CG (2013). Epigenome-Wide Association Studies: Potential Insights into Human Disease. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-8078-5_13

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Bell CG (2012). Chapter 14 Epigenomic Factors in Human Obesity. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-388415-2.00014-7

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Bell CG (2012). Epigenomic Factors in Human Obesity. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-388415-2.00014-7

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Rakyan VK, Beyan H, Down TA et al. (2011). Identification of Type 1 Diabetes–Associated DNA Methylation Variable Positions That Precede Disease Diagnosis. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002300

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Rakyan VK, Beyan H, Down TA et al. (2011). Identification of type 1 diabetes-associated DNA methylation variable positions that precede disease diagnosis.. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002300

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/5415
• Bell CG (2011). Accessing and Selecting Genetic Markers from Available Resources. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-176-5_1

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Bell CG (2011). Integration of genomic and epigenomic DNA methylation data in common complex diseases by haplotype-specific methylation analysis. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.2217/pme.11.14

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Bell CG, Beck S (2010). The epigenomic interface between genome and environment in common complex diseases. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elq026

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Bell CG, Teschendorff AE, Rakyan VK et al. (2010). Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis for diabetic nephropathy in type 1 diabetes mellitus. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1186/1755-8794-3-33

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/242
• Teschendorff AE, Menon U, Gentry-Maharaj A et al. (2010). Age-dependent DNA methylation of genes that are suppressed in stem cells is a hallmark of cancer. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1101/gr.103606.109

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Bell CG (2010). Epigenomic analysis in common complex disease. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: doi

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Bell CG, Finer S, Lindgren CM et al. (2010). Integrated Genetic and Epigenetic Analysis Identifies Haplotype-Specific Methylation in the FTO Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity Susceptibility Locus. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0014040

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/14550
• Bell CG, Beck S (2009). Advances in the identification and analysis of allele-specific expression. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1186/gm56

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/75113
• Bell CG, Wood DR, Cheong SJH et al. (2009). Molecular confirmation of pathological specimen integrity in Australasia. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1080/00313020902756311

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Bell CG, Kwan E, Nolan RC et al. (2008). First molecular confirmation of an Australian case of type III hereditary angioedema. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1080/00313020701716433

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Bell CG, Meyre D, Petretto E et al. (2007). No contribution of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene variants to severe obesity: a model for comprehensive case/control and quantitative cladistic analysis of ACE in human diseases. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejhg.5201754

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Taylor PJ, Maroulis S, Mullan GL et al. (2007). Measurement of the clinical utility of a combined mutation detection protocol in carriers of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1136/jmg.2006.047464

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Roscioli T, Cliffe ST, Bloch DB et al. (2006). Mutations in the gene encoding the PML nuclear body protein Sp110 are associated with immunodeficiency and hepatic veno-occlusive disease. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1038/ng1780

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Bell CG, Meyre D, Samson C et al. (2005). Association of melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 15' polymorphism with early-onset extreme obesity. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.2337/diabetes.54.10.3049

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Guérardel A, Barat-Houari M, Vasseur F et al. (publicationYear). Analysis of sequence variability in the CART gene in relation to obesity in a Caucasian population. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1186/1471-2156-6-19

  
  

  QMRO: https://uat2-qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/75107
• Bell CG, Walley AJ, Froguel P (2005). The genetics of human obesity. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.1038/nrg1556

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref
• Bell CG, Benzinou M, Siddiq A et al. (2004). Genome-wide linkage analysis for severe obesity in French Caucasians finds significant susceptibility locus on chromosome 19q. nameOfConference

  
  

  DOI: 10.2337/diabetes.53.7.1857

  
  

  QMRO: qmroHref

Collaborators

Internal

• Prof. Patricia Munroe (CPPM, WHRI)
• Dr Miguel Branco (Blizard)

External

• Dr Sandrine Géranton (Cell & Developmental Biology; University College London)
• Dr Pirro G. Hysi (Dept. of Twin Research; King’s College London)
• Prof. Stephan Beck (UCL Cancer Institute, University College London)
• Dr Adam Byrne (National Heart & Lung Institute; Imperial College London)
• Dr Michelle Holland (Genetics & Molecular Medicine; King’s College London)
• Dr Paul Caton (Life Sciences & Medicine; King’s College London)
• Prof. Wolf Reik (Altos Labs, Cambridge, U.K.)

News

• Interview on AI-driven assessment of ‘biological’ ageing (National Geographic, USA), January 2023
• Interview on ‘Biological’ ageing (El País Newspaper, Spain), May 2022
• Outlook section– Interview on Epigenetic ‘Clocks’ (Nature), January 2022
• Comment in “Exploring the Epigenetics of Ethnicity”, (The Scientist, USA), January 2017

Disclosures

No disclosures.