Alztrans

Brain PET Study on the Impact of Genetic Factors on Brain Inflammation Response

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether specific gene mutations in the ABI3 and TREM2 genes, which have been found to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, are associated with increased brain inflammation (neuroinflammation) and/or beta-amyloid accumulation. Additionally, we aim to determine the association of the PCLgamma2 gene variant, which reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, with brain neuroinflammation and beta-amyloid deposits. We are also interested in the relationship between these changes and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, biological markers measured in blood, and the cognition of the study participants. The study participants include cognitively healthy older individuals who carry the aforementioned gene mutations as well as non-carriers serving as controls.

This study is part of the broader ALZTRANS research project, involving Turku PET Centre, the University of Eastern Finland, the University of Helsinki, and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). In addition to the imaging study component, the research includes genetic characterization of microglial cells isolated from blood and the conversion of fibroblast cells cultured from skin samples into stem cell lines, which will be used to study the differences in microglial cells between individuals at increased and normal risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Funding: Sigrid Juselius Foundation, Finnish Government Research Funding

Collaborating Partners: Auria Biobank, Helsinki Biobank, University of Eastern Finland (Brain Research Unit), University of Helsinki (HiLIFE – Institute of Life Sciences), Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)