Chromosome 14 Markers for Alzheimer's Genetics

There is a gene on chromosome 14 which causes early onset Alzheimer’s disease. We know the approximate position of this gene, but our work towards finding it is hampered by the fact that there are few genetic markers in the right region. If we could identify more genetic markers, this would help us to narrow down the region considerably and would thus speed up our hunt for the gene. In particular, we have two families with early onset Alzheimer’s disease which we think are related to each other. If we could find the very small section of chromosome 14 which both families share, it would reduce considerably, the huge area in which we are searching for this important gene. To do this, we need to identify other genetic markers from the part of chromosome 14 and test them in these and our other families with early onset disease. Identification of the chromosome 14 Alzheimer gene would mark an enormous progress in our understanding of the disease. It should tell us whether the amyloid hypothesis of the disease is right or wrong and should help us to define the biochemical pathway which leads to disease.

Grantee institution at the time of this grant: USF Suncoast Gerontology Center