A groundbreaking international study, representing the largest of its kind, has discovered 75 genes associated with an elevated risk of Alzheimer's disease, including 42 new genes which had not previously been implicated in the condition.
As well as confirming previous findings concerning the proteins amyloid-beta and tau that build up around the nerve cells as the disease progresses, the research demonstrates compelling reason to support the involvement of inflammation and the immune system in the disease.
The study encompassed an analysis of a 100,000 genetic profiles belonging to patients suffering from Alzheimer's. The results of these profiles were compared with their 600,000 healthy counterparts.
Published in the journal Nature Genetics, the findings reveal a previously unknown connection between Alzheimer's and TNF-alpha, a protein integral to inflammation and the immune system.
Additionally, there is more evidence that the dysfunction of microglia, immune cells in the brain that are responsible for eliminating toxic substances, contribute to disease pathology.
Drawing from these insights, the researchers constructed a genetic risk score capable of predicting the likelihood of early onset Alzheimer's in those with cognitive impairment.
The score is not intended for use in clinical practice at present, but researchers hope it will improve the evaluation of new drugs in clinical trials.
The project was carried out in research centres in eight partner countries, including the UK, US, Australia and across Europe and spearheaded by Professor Jean-Charles Lambert, Research Director of Inserm, the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research.
Looking ahead, these discoveries offer hope for the early identification of individuals at the highest risk of Alzheimer's, potentially allowing for proactive interventions before the disease takes hold.
This pioneering study represents a significant victory in the battle against Alzheimer's disease. This breakthrough deepens our collective understanding of Alzheimer's and brings us closer to early interventions.
Source: Cardiff University. "Landmark study reveals 42 new genes associated with increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease". https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/news/view/2616182-landmark-study-reveals-42-new-genes-associated-with-increased-risk-of-alzheimers-disease. April 4, 2022. [Accessed: April 5, 2022].
Edited by Yash Pincha.
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