British researchers may have made a key breakthrough in the study of the genetics of Alzheimer’s disease, it was announced last night.
The researchers have linked a gene, ANK1, to the disease – but also shown its effect on the disease is not caused by permanent mutations.
They say it is involved in epigenetic changes and these could be reversible.
The study, undertaken at Exeter University Medical School and King’s College London was published in Nature Neuroscience.
The researchers show that a strong link between chemical modifications to DNA in the gene and the areas of the brain affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Researcher Professor Jonathan Mill said: "This is the strongest evidence yet to suggest that epigenetic changes in the brain occur in Alzheimer’s disease, and offers potential hope for understanding the mechanisms involved in the onset of dementia.
"We don’t yet know why these changes occur – it’s possible that they are involved in disease onset, but they may also reflect changes induced by the disease itself."
Alzheimer’s Research UK head of research Dr Simon Ridley welcomed the findings.
He said: "Investigating how epigenetic changes influence genes in Alzheimer’s is still a relatively new area of study.
"The importance of understanding this area of research is highlighted by the fact that epigenetic changes have been associated with development of other diseases, including cancer.
"This innovative research has discovered a potential new mechanism involved in Alzheimer’s by linking the ANK1 gene to the disease. We will be interested to see further research into the role of ANK1 in Alzheimer’s and whether other epigenetic changes may be involved in the disease."
Nature Neuroscience 18 August 2014
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