A recent study from Baylor College of Medicine and the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute has uncovered potential genetic factors that influence the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and identified new therapeutic targets.

The study highlighted 11 specific genes that, when modified, could protect against neurodegeneration in fruit flies, demonstrating their potential as therapeutic targets.

Among these, the gene MTCH2 emerged as particularly significant; restoring its expression in fruit flies reversed motor dysfunction and reduced tau accumulation in human neural progenitor cells.

The findings advocate for further exploration of MTCH2 as a therapeutic target for AD, emphasizing the effectiveness of combining computational and experimental research methods.

While previous GWAS have linked genes to Alzheimer's, they often failed to explain the biological mechanisms behind these associations, making this study's findings particularly valuable.

Published in the American Journal of Human Genetics, the study integrates these approaches to pinpoint specific genes linked to increased AD risk and behavioral impairments.

Experimental testing revealed that altering the activity of 18 of the identified genes heightened Alzheimer's-related symptoms, further emphasizing the importance of these genetic factors.

The research team utilized genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and computational methods to identify 123 candidate genes associated with AD risk, which were then experimentally tested in fruit fly models.

Out of 60 evaluated genes in these models, 46 were found to affect neuronal dysfunction, while 18 genes were correlated with increased AD risk in humans.

Dr. Juan Botas, the corresponding author of the study, highlighted the urgent need for effective therapies, as Alzheimer's currently affects over 50 million people worldwide, with many underlying causes still unknown.

The research was supported by multiple NIH grants and involved contributions from various authors, underscoring the collaborative effort in tackling this complex disease.

Overall, this groundbreaking research not only identifies potential genetic influences on Alzheimer's but also opens new avenues for developing targeted therapies.