The ABCA7 gene has started getting attention in recent years for its potential impact on Alzheimer’s disease. Recently, more and more research has emerged that explores the role ABCA7 plays in Alzheimer’s and dementia. Today, we’re breaking down the latest research about this gene, its role in the body, the relationship between ABCA7 and Alzheimer’s, and why it all matters.
An Overview of ABCA7
ABCA7 is a member of the ATP-binding cassette genes family that is responsible for lipid transport. It was first identified in the early 2000’s and was not well-studied until 2011. Since then, researchers have significantly increased their knowledge of the gene and its contributions to brain functioning.
ABCA7 plays a role in a number of different bodily functions, including lipid transport, immune response, brain functions, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
ABCA7 and Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s genetics is an area of great interest for researchers today. Understanding genes like ABCA7 could help us better understand the causes of Alzheimer’s.
Because of ABCA7’s role in brain functioning, it has started to be studied in Alzheimer’s research. And the findings have shown that there is likely a strong connection between this gene and the development of Alzheimer’s in the brain.
Recent studies have found that variants in ABCA7 are an important genetic determinant in Late Onset Alzheimer’s Disease (LOAD). Other dementia research has linked ABCA7 gene expression to Alzheimer’s disease via dysregulation of lipid metabolism.
While we don’t have a complete understanding of the relationship yet, the evidence does suggest that the ABCA7 gene plays a central role in Alzheimer’s disease.
Could ABCA7 Treat or Cure Alzheimer’s?
As researchers continue to search for a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, understanding the ABCA7 gene and its role could prove to be very important.
Let’s say that, as the research suggests, a loss or decrease of ABCA7 expression is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. This information could be used to develop treatments or even potential cures for Alzheimer’s disease. The ABCA7 gene could be manipulated or exploited for therapeutic purposes to treat Alzheimer’s. This gene is a promising new avenue to explore when it comes to defeating Alzheimer’s and dementia.
ABCA7 is definitely a gene to keep a close eye on in the coming years as it relates to Alzheimer’s disease. It could end up being a key to finally finding an Alzheimer’s cure and defeating Alzheimer’s for good.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8124837/
https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/alz.067665
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128001059000342 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2019.00387/full
