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Two new genetic links to Alzheimer’s found
Two genetic variants which appear to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease have been identified (see feature). A major international study analysed the genes of over 16,000 people over two years – the largest genome-wide association study (GWAS) of Alzheimer’s disease carried out to date. By comparing variations between the genes of Alzheimer’s patients and healthy volunteers on a mass scale, the researchers discovered the susceptibility genes CLU and PICALM. When these results were put together with another GWAS carried out in France, a third susceptibility gene, CR1, was also identified. Previously only one gene, APOE4, had been clearly identified as a potential genetic risk factor. Lead author of the study, Professor Julie Williams of the MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics in Cardiff, said: “This research is changing our understanding of what might cause the common form of Alzheimer’s disease and could provide valuable new leads in the race to find treatments. If we can combat the detrimental effects of these genes, we estimate it could reduce the chances of people developing Alzheimer’s by almost 20 per cent.” The study was supported by several funders including the MRC, the Wellcome Trust, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Alzheimer’s Research Trust.
if we can combat the detrimental effects of these genes, we estimate it could reduce the chances of people developing Alzheimer’s by almost 20 per cent