We are excited to share our new study on the role of the ABCA7 gene in brain resilience against Alzheimer’s. Published in Cell Genomics, we found that ABCA7 is crucial for maintaining synaptic health by regulating neuropeptide Y (NPY), a key molecule for brain communication and repair. Loss of ABCA7 reduces NPY, weakening the brain’s defenses against AD. By combining zebrafish models, human datasets, and patient-derived iPSCs, we discovered that ABCA7 variants impact synaptic integrity and brain function. Our study also highlights how Alzheimer mechanisms mechanisms vary across different ethnicities. Understanding ABCA7’s role in diverse populations can help develop more targeted and effective treatments. By targeting ABCA7 and boosting NPY signaling, future therapies could offer better protection against AD, giving us hope for new treatment strategies.
Columbia University Irving Medical Center Newsroom article:
Study Shows How Common Genetic Variants in Black Americans Increase Alzheimer’s Risk
Kizil Lab 