Summary: Large-scale whole-genome sequencing studies have discovered 16 new genes associated with Alzheimer’s disease, expanding genetic research beyond its European ancestry. The researchers analyzed data from 49,149 individuals to improve their understanding of genetic risk factors.
The findings underscore the importance of studying diverse groups for more accurate risk prediction and better targeted treatments. Scientists then plan to double the sample size and analyze rare genetic variants to improve their understanding of the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Important facts
New Genetic Discoveries: Researchers have identified 16 novel genes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. DiversePresspination: Almost half of the 49,149 study participants were from non-European ancestors.
Source: Mass General
Researchers from the popular general Brigham conducted multi-uncountry, whole-genome sequencing related studies of Alzheimer’s disease, discovered evidence for 16 new susceptibility genes and expanded the study of Alzheimer’s disease in an underrated group.
Their results have been published in the Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: Alzheimer’s Disease Association’s magazine.
Co-led by Julian Daniel Sunday Willett, MD, PhD, and Mohammad Waqas, and founding members of Mass General Brigham, the researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital, as well as the McCance Center for Brain Health Center, used whole-genome sequencing and 49,149 cohorts.
The study included 12,074 participants clinically diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and 37,075 diagnosed participants due to family history. Participants came from multiple public databases, with almost half of them from non-European ancestors. Researchers discovered 16 novel Alzheimer’s disease-related genetic signals and highlighted the importance of studying diverse populations.
Next, according to co-author Dr. Dmitry Prokopenko, the team will analyze an additional set of whole-genome sequencing data with a double-fold increase in sample size, including rare gene-based variant analysis. They also plan to combine signals from rare variants within the gene.
“We were surprised to see this discovery by expanding genetic analysis beyond European ancestral populations to more diverse populations,” said co-author Dr. Rudolf Tanzi, director of the Genetics and Aging Research Unit, director of the Mackens Research Center for Brain Health, and children at the Institute for Nervous System Diseases at Massachusetts Hospital.
“We hope this will lead to more accurate predictions of the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and new pharmacological and biological targets for the treatment and prevention of a wide range of ancestral populations.”
About this genetics and Alzheimer’s disease research news.
Author: Brandon Chase
Source: Mass General
Contact: Brandon Chase – Mass General
Image: Image credited to Neuroscience News
Original research: Open access.
Written by Julian Daniel Sunday Willett et al. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Abstract
Identification of 16 novel Alzheimer’s disease loci using multi-acstery meta-analysis
introduction
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. Many AD-related genetic determinants have been identified, but few studies have analysed non-European ancestors.
method
A multi-unstreet genome-wide association study (GWAS) of clinically diagnosed AD and AD biproxies was performed. and 383,225 controls) and 37,075 ads. Almost half of the participants in Niagads and Aou were non-European ancestors.
result
For clinically diagnosed AD, we identified 14 new loci – five common (FBN2/SCL27A6, AC090115.1, DYM, KCNG1/AL121785.1, TIAM1) and NINE Rare (VWA5B1, RNU6-755P/LMX1A, MOB1A, MORC1-ASAS1, LINC00989 RNU2-49P/CDO1, NEO1, and SLC35G3/AC022916.1). A meta-analysis of UKB and AOU AD-by-Proxy cases gave rise to two new rare loci (RPL23/LASP1 and CEBPA/AC008738.6), which were nominally significant in Niagado.
Discussion
In summary, we provide evidence for 16 novel AD loci and propose more studies using whole-genome sequencing-based GWAs in divers cohorts.
