Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have identified a significant genetic marker related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in a study focused on African American (AA) participants. The gene ADAMTS2 showed markedly increased activity in the brain tissue of individuals with Alzheimer’s compared to those without the disease. This finding not only highlights a potential shared biological pathway across different racial groups but also suggests new avenues for treatment development.
Key Findings from the Study
In examining brain tissue from over 200 donors, including 125 individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the research team discovered that the activity level of ADAMTS2 was approximately 1.5 times higher in those with the disease. This ground-breaking research is part of the largest Alzheimer’s study to date focusing on African American donors, revealing numerous genes that exhibited differential behavior in relation to Alzheimer’s.
The significance of ADAMTS2 was further underscored when it emerged as the most prominently expressed gene in an independent study involving European ancestry (EA) individuals. This consistency across diverse populations suggests a common genetic factor influencing Alzheimer’s risk.
Understanding Disparities in Alzheimer’s Risk
Alzheimer’s affects African Americans at nearly double the rate of their European ancestry counterparts in the United States. Factors contributing to this disparity include limited access to healthcare, variances in educational opportunities, and biases in cognitive testing. Additionally, higher prevalence rates of conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes among African Americans may increase susceptibility to Alzheimer’s.
Previous research has often overlooked the genetic profiles of African Americans, leading to a scarcity of data that accurately represents this population. The current study’s findings not only fill this gap but also emphasize the necessity for broader genetic research that includes diverse demographic groups.
“To our knowledge, this is the first time in similarly designed AD genetics studies that the most significant finding was the same in both white and African Americans,” said Lindsay A. Farrer, PhD, chief of biomedical genetics at Boston University.
The implications of these findings are profound. They challenge the notion that genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s are largely population-specific. Instead, the overlap in the expression of ADAMTS2 across both African American and European ancestry populations elevates its significance as a potential therapeutic target.
Future Research Directions
Researchers advocate for further investigation into the ADAMTS2 gene to assess its viability for targeted treatments. The study’s results, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, underline the importance of continued research in understanding the genetic underpinnings of Alzheimer’s, particularly in minority populations.
The research was supported by multiple grants from the National Institutes of Health and other entities, ensuring a robust framework for the study’s execution. Importantly, funding sources did not influence the study’s design or outcomes, maintaining the integrity of the research.
As scientists continue to unravel the complexities of Alzheimer’s disease, this breakthrough offers a promising direction for future therapies, aimed at addressing the needs of diverse populations affected by this devastating condition.
