Transferability of European-Derived Alzheimer’s Disease Polygenic Risk Scores Across Multiancestry Populations

Transferability of European-derived Alzheimer’s disease polygenic risk scores across multiancestry populations

A polygenic score (PGS) for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was derived recently from data on genome-wide significant loci in European ancestry populations. We applied this PGS to populations in 17 European countries and observed a consistent association with the AD risk, age at onset and cerebrospinal fluid levels of AD biomarkers, independently of apolipoprotein E locus (APOE). This PGS was also associated with the AD risk in many other populations o…

Myelin sheath protein changes linked to impaired nerve signaling in Alzheimer's disease

The disruption of axons—the thread-like part of nerve cells that transmits electrical signals—is associated with Alzheimer's disease. One way axonal function may be hindered is through damage to the myelin sheath, a fatty coating that wraps around axons. Similar to the plastic or rubber used to insulate a cable, the myelin sheath allows neurons to quickly communicate with one another. When the structure is impaired, so is the conduction of elect…

Genetics of PLCG2 expression and splicing relative to Alzheimer’s disease risk

Background PLCG2 is associated with the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) through a rare missense polymorphism, rs72824905 (P522R) as well as a common variant, rs12445675, within a long non-coding RNA adjacent to PLCG2. Elucidating the impact of genetics on PLCG2 express...

How rogue jumping genes can spur Alzheimer’s, ALS

Our genomes are peppered with DNA segments called retrotransposons that can move from place to place. When unleashed, some can kill nerves and promote inflammation — a discovery that may inspire treatments for neurodegeneration.