Genome sequencing analysis identifies new loci associated with Lewy body dementia and provides insights into its genetic architecture

R Chia, MS Sabir, S Bandres-Ciga, S Saez-Atienzar… - Nature …, 2021 - nature.com
Nature genetics, 2021nature.com
The genetic basis of Lewy body dementia (LBD) is not well understood. Here, we performed
whole-genome sequencing in large cohorts of LBD cases and neurologically healthy
controls to study the genetic architecture of this understudied form of dementia, and to
generate a resource for the scientific community. Genome-wide association analysis
identified five independent risk loci, whereas genome-wide gene-aggregation tests
implicated mutations in the gene GBA. Genetic risk scores demonstrate that LBD shares risk …
Abstract
The genetic basis of Lewy body dementia (LBD) is not well understood. Here, we performed whole-genome sequencing in large cohorts of LBD cases and neurologically healthy controls to study the genetic architecture of this understudied form of dementia, and to generate a resource for the scientific community. Genome-wide association analysis identified five independent risk loci, whereas genome-wide gene-aggregation tests implicated mutations in the gene GBA. Genetic risk scores demonstrate that LBD shares risk profiles and pathways with Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, providing a deeper molecular understanding of the complex genetic architecture of this age-related neurodegenerative condition.
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