Molecular epidemiology of Alzheimer's disease

Article Abstract:

Researchers are beginning to understand the genetic and physiologic factors that cause neurologic diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Of the three common forms of the gene for apolipoprotein E, the epsilon-4 form occurs most commonly in people with Alzheimer's disease, and the epsilon-2 form is rarely found in these people. A 1995 study showed that the epsilon-4 gene was associated with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and the formation of beta-amyloid protein deposits in the brain. Various studies have found certain gene mutations are associated with Alzheimer's disease that runs in families. These mutations are in genes that code for apolipoprotein E, beta-amyloid protein precursors, and unknown proteins. Data suggests that Alzheimer's disease is related to mutations that affect proteins involved in processing both apolipoprotein E and beta-amyloid proteins. In any case, Alzheimer's disease appears to be associated with several genetic factors.

Editorial, Apolipoproteins

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A promising animal model of Alzheimer's disease

Article Abstract:

A genetically altered mouse may have brain processes similar to Alzheimer's disease. Researchers introduced a transgenic mouse model that can be used to test the effect of drugs on Alzheimer's disease. Specifically, the mouse had abnormal functions in two brain regions usually involved in this disorder. The genetic mutations especially result in excessive beta-amyloid release and subsequent deposit in the brain. Blocking this beta-amyloid excess is one of the targets for future drug research. While this animal model may stimulate pharmacological research efforts, related behavioral parallels to human Alzheimer's disease are much less certain.

Research, Models, Amyloidosis, Mutation (Biology), Mutation, Genetically modified mice

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Family-based association between Alzheimer's disease and variants in UBQLN1

Article Abstract:

The gene encoding ubiquilin 1 (UBQLN1) is located near a well-established linkage peak on chromosome 9p22, which one of the several candidate genes for Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that the genetic variants in UBQLN1on chromosome 9p22 increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

United Kingdom, Risk factors, Genetic disorders

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