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Researchers from Mass General Brigham have identified 16 new susceptibility genes associated with Alzheimer’s disease in a groundbreaking multi-ancestry, whole-genome sequencing study. The study, which expands the scope of Alzheimer’s disease research in underrepresented populations, has been published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
A Landmark Study in Genetic Research
The research, co-led by Dr. Julian Daniel Sunday Willett and Dr. Mohammad Waqas of the Genetics and Aging Research Unit and McCance Center for Brain Health at Massachusetts General Hospital, analyzed genetic data from 49,149 individuals. This cohort included 12,074 participants with a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and 37,075 individuals diagnosed based on family history.
What sets this study apart is its diverse participant pool. Nearly half of the individuals analyzed were of non-European ancestry, marking a significant step in addressing gaps in Alzheimer’s genetic research across different ethnic groups.
Expanding Genetic Knowledge
Using whole-genome sequencing, the researchers discovered 16 novel genetic signals associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The findings emphasize the importance of studying diverse populations to improve understanding and risk prediction for the disease.
Dr. Dmitry Prokopenko, a co-senior author, highlighted the next phase of research, which includes doubling the sample size and conducting a gene-based rare variant analysis. The researchers aim to combine signals from rare genetic variants within genes to refine their understanding of Alzheimer’s disease mechanisms.
Dr. Rudolph Tanzi, another co-senior author and director of the Genetics and Aging Research Unit, expressed optimism about the findings. “We were pleasantly surprised to make this discovery by expanding genetic analyses beyond populations of European ancestry,” he said. “We hope this will lead to more accurate predictions of Alzheimer’s disease risk and new pharmacological and biological targets for treatment and prevention in diverse populations.”
Future Implications
The discovery of these 16 genes could pave the way for novel diagnostic tools and targeted treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. By broadening the genetic research scope, scientists aim to improve disease prediction and therapeutic strategies, making them more inclusive and effective for all populations.
Reference
Willett, J. D. S., et al. (2025). Identification of 16 novel Alzheimer’s disease loci using multi-ancestry meta-analyses, Alzheimer’s & Dementia. DOI: 10.1002/alz.14592.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Readers are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals for medical concerns related to Alzheimer’s disease.
