Imaging genetics
Imaging genetics refers to the use of anatomical or physiological imaging technologies as
Imaging genetics uses research approaches in which genetic information and
Alzheimer's disease
By combining the outputs of the polygenic and neuro-imaging within a linear model, it has been shown that genetic information provides additive value in the task of predicting
Another gene risk variant is associated with Alzheimer's, which is known as the CLU gene risk variant. The CLU gene risk variant showed a distinct profile of lower white matter integrity that may increase vulnerability to developing AD later in life.[7] Each CLU-C allele was associated with lower FA in frontal, temporal, parietal, occipital, and subcortical white matter.[7] Brain regions with lower FA included corticocortical pathways previously demonstrated to have lower FA in AD patients and APOE4 carriers.[7] CLU-C related variability found here might create a local vulnerability important for disease onset.[7] These effects are remarkable as they already exist early in life and are associated with a risk gene that is very prevalent (~36% of Caucasians carry two copies of the risk conferring genetic variant CLU-C.) [7] Quantitative mapping of structural brain differences in those at genetic risk of AD is crucial for evaluating treatment and prevention strategies. If the risk for AD is identified, appropriate changes in lifestyle may limit the apprehension of AD; exercise and body mass index-have an effect on brain structure and the level of brain atrophy [7]
Biomarkers and Alzheimer's spectrum
If suitable biomarkers are found and applied in clinical use, we will be able to give the diagnosis of the AD spectrum at an even earlier stage.[8] In the proposal, the AD spectrum is divided into the three stages (i) the preclinical stage; (ii) mild cognitive impairment; and (iii) clinical AD.[8] In the preclinical stage, only changes in a specific biomarker are observed with neither cognitive impairment nor clinical signs of AD. The mild cognitive impairment stage may include those showing biomarker changes as well as mild cognitive decline but no clinical signs and symptoms of AD. AD is diagnosed in patients with biomarker changes and clinical signs and symptoms of AD. This concept will promote understanding of the continuous transition from preclinical stage to AD via mild cognitive impairment, in which biomarkers can be utilized to discriminate and clearly define each stage of the AD spectrum. The new criteria will promote earlier detection of the subjects who will develop AD in later life, and also to initiate intervention aiming for the prevention of AD.
Future
Imaging genetics must develop methods that will allow relating the effects of a large number of genetic variants on equally multi-dimensional neuroimaging phenotypes.[9] Additionally, the field of imaging epigenetics is emerging with particular relevance, for example, to the understanding of intergenerational transmission of trauma-related psychopathology and related disturbances of maternal care.[10]
Problems
Medication, hospitalization history, or associated behaviors ranging such as smoking can affect imaging.[9]
Notes
- S2CID 22972473.
- PMID 12697630.
- ^ Thompson (2012). "Archived copy". Imaging Genetics. Archived from the original on 2012-04-08. Retrieved 2012-12-11.
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: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - PMID 19812647.
- S2CID 214038.
- PMID 24899230.
- ^ PMID 21543606.
- ^ PMID 21414086.
- ^ PMID 22220190.
- (PDF) from the original on 2020-11-07. Retrieved 2019-04-07.