Researchers in Wales have reported two new genes linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
The Cardiff University researchers say their findings add to the discovery earlier of 24 genes associated with susceptibility to the disease.
They have reported their findings, related to coding variants in PLCG2, ABI3 and TREM2 genes, in Nature Genetics.
The researchers say the genes indicate the potential role of immune cells in triggering the disease.
Researcher Dr Rebecca Sims said: "In addition to identifying two genes that affect the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, our new research reveals a number of other genes and proteins that form a network likely to be important in its development.
"These particular genes, which suggest that immune cells in the brain play a causal role in the disease, are also very good targets for potential drug treatment."
Dr Doug Brown, director of research at the Alzheimer’s Society, said it was "an exciting advance."
He said: "These genes reinforce a critical role for special cells in the brain – called microglia – that are responsible for clearing up debris including damaged cells and proteins.
"Insights like this are vital to help unravel the complexities of Alzheimer’s disease and show researchers where to focus their efforts in the search for new, effective treatments."
Rare coding variants in PLCG2, ABI3 and TREM2 implicate microglial-mediated innate immunity in Alzheimer’s disease Nature Genetics 17 July 2017
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