Multi-ancestry population attributable risk assessment of common genetic variation in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases

Description

Multiple scientific studies, mostly performed within European populations, have unraveled many of the genetic factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) etiologies, improving our understanding of the molecular pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of these conditions. However, there is increasing evidence that the genetic architecture of these diseases differs across ancestral populations. This raises concerns about the efficacy of therapeutic interventions crafted around genetic targets prevalent only in European ancestry populations. Such interventions neglect potentially distinctive etiological profiles, including Latino, Black/African American, and East Asian populations. In the current study, we explore Population Attributable Risk (PAR) in AD and PD etiologies and assess the proportion of disease attributed to specific genetic factors across diverse populations. Leveraging data from genome-wide association studies across four ancestries, we explore distinct and universal therapeutic targets across diverse populations. Multi-ancestral genetics research is critical to the development of successful therapeutics and treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. By offering insights into genetic disparities, we aim to inform more inclusive and effective therapeutic strategies, advancing personalized healthcare.

 

Complex Disease - Data Analysis Working Group

The Data Analysis working group manages the maintenance, democratization, and acceleration of analyses, and provides analytical support for investigators with approved projects.
Learn more about Complex Disease - Data Analysis Working Group

Underrepresented Populations Working Group

The Underrepresented Populations working group, facilitates increased representation and analysis of genetic factors associated with Parkinson’s disease in non-European populations.
Learn more about Underrepresented Populations Working Group

Meet the authors

Clinical Data Analyst

Lietsel Jones, MSc

Data Tecnica International | Bethesda, MD, USA

Assistant Professor / Head of Neurology Unit

Artur Schuh, MD,PhD

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul / Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre | Porto Alegre, Brazil

Biomedical Data Scientist, Contractor

Mary B Makarious, PhD

National Institutes of Health | Washington D.C., USA

Researcher

Hirotaka Iwaki, MD, PhD

Data Tecnica International | USA

Consultant

Mike A. Nalls, PhD

National Institutes of Health | USA

GP2 Co-PI and Co-Lead

Cornelis Blauwendraat, PhD

Coalition for Aligning Science | USA

Co-PI and Co-Lead

Andrew B Singleton, PhD

GP2 | Bethesda, MD, USA

Assistant Staff

Ignacio (Nacho) F. Mata, PhD

Cleveland Clinic | USA

Staff Scientist

Sara Bandres-Ciga, PharmD,PhD

National Institutes of Health | USA