Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in Alzheimer’s disease: A genetic and proteomic multi-cohort study

What is it about?

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a very complex disease that is thought to be set in motion decades before the appearance of the first symptoms. Several genes have been identified as key risk factors for Alzheimer's, most notably APOE-4, a protein involved in cholesterol circulation. Given the importance of cholesterol regulation for the establishment and risk of developing Alzheimer's, we sought to investigate another potent cholesterol modulator: PCSK9. In this work, we link PCSK9 levels and functions to several markers of AD. We establish correlations between PCSK9 and the relative risk of developing AD in patients predisposed to the disease.

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Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash

Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Our understanding of the important genes and biological functions that are important before the onset of the disease, i.e 10 years before the first signs of memory loss, is extremely limited. However, it is believed to be during that time that the disease initially appears. By understanding what happens before, we hope to be able to prevent what comes after.

Perspectives