Genomic Convergence Pinpoints Age-of Onset Gene

Researchers have used a novel method called "genomic convergence” to identify a gene that plays an important role in the process that determines the age at which individuals begin to show symptoms of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Investigators at Duke University (Durham, NC, USA) had previously used genomic convergence to show genetic linkage of loci controlling age-at-onset in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) at a 15 cM region on chromosome 10q. In the current study, which was published October 21, 2003, in the online edition of Human Molecular Genetics, they performed gene expression studies on hippocampus obtained from AD patients and controls that allowed them to eliminate all but four genes from linkage to age-at-onset. Further analysis of 1,773 AD patients and 635 PD patients revealed that of those four genes, only glutathione S-transferase, omega-1 (GSTO1) showed genetic differences associated with age-at-onset.

"By combining evidence based on gene expression and genetic association, we found a gene that modifies when the diseases start,” explained first author Dr. Yi-Ju Li, assistant research professor in medicine at Duke University. "Understanding the role this gene plays in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases may, in the future, lead to a means to delay the disorders' onset.”




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