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HKUST Scientists Reveal Critical Impacts of a Chinese Genetic Risk Factor in Alzheimer's Disease
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AD currently affects approximately 10 million people in Chinese Mainland, with the number projected to rise to around 50 million by 2050. Genetic factors account for 60-80% of the risk for late-onset AD, with the gene being the most extensively studied, followed by . Both genetic risk factors exhibit significant differences in prevalence and risk effects across different ethnic populations. In particular, the most studied genetic variant, R47H, is enriched in European populations but not found in Chinese populations. As most AD genetic studies have been conducted in European populations, it is crucial to undertake such studies on diverse populations.
To address this gap, the Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (HKCeND) launched its Biobank (HKCeND Biobank) for AD research. Led by HKUST and in collaboration with hospitals in Hong Kong , this biobank collects and consolidates comprehensive clinical, neuroimaging, and multi-omics data from individuals of ethnic Chinese origin. This makes it a critical resource for investigating Chinese-enriched genetic factors such as the H157Y variant.
This research on the genetic variant was conducted by a team led by Prof. Nancy IP, President and the Morningside Professor of Life Science at HKUST. She is also the Director of the State Key Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders (SKLNSD) at HKUST and the Center Director of the InnoHK HKCeND.
The study resulted in several novel findings. The clinical case study showed that H157Y variant carriers with the risk factor exhibit more rapid clinical progression in the early stages of the disease, compared to non-carriers. Cognitive assessments, neuroimaging, and AD blood biomarker analyses indicated that AD patients carrying the H157Y variant experience significantly worsened cognitive functions, more severe neurodegeneration, and more severe AD pathology. Additionally, blood protein profile analysis revealed alterations in immune, vascular, and bone-related biological processes in these individuals. This highlights the use of blood biomarkers to investigate how genetic risk factors influence AD pathology, generating new insights into AD biology and novel therapeutic development.
Prof. Ip remarked, "This study is the first to demonstrate that the H157Y genetic variant is associated with more severe AD pathology and neurodegeneration. The prevalence of the H157Y variant among ethnic Chinese individuals emphasizes the importance of conducting genetic studies in the Chinese population." She added, "This study also highlights the critical clinical implications of the genetic variant for timely intervention and personalized disease management. Our research benefits from public participation and close collaboration between clinicians and scientists, effectively linking scientific findings to improved patient outcomes."
The study was supported by multiple funding bodies, including the InnoHK initiative of the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Areas of Excellence Scheme of the University Grants Committee, the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong , the ITC Grant, the Chow Tai Fook Charity Foundation, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/RGC Joint Research Scheme, and the SIAT-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Brain Science, under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The clinical case study was conducted in collaboration with Prof. Timothy Kwok from the Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong .
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hkust-scientists-reveal-critical-impacts-of-a-chinese-genetic-risk-factor-in-alzheimers-disease-302573876.html