Mount Sinai is leading the way in Alzheimer's Neurogenomics research, with researchers like Alison Goate, PhD, Jean C. and James W. Crystal Professor of Genomics and Chair of the Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, and Edoardo Marcora, Professor of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, at the forefront of their field. Their research focuses on understanding the genetics of Alzheimer's disease and using this knowledge to improve diagnostics, risk prediction, and therapeutics.
Through the power of genomic technology, large-scale sequencing, and complex statistical analysis, the researchers at Mount Sinai have identified genes that modulate the risk for Alzheimer's disease. This knowledge is helping to identify new drug targets and is providing insight into the mechanisms of the disease.
Of particular interest is the role of microglial cells, a type of immune cell in the brain, in Alzheimer's disease. While it was previously thought that genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease was primarily influenced by genes expressed in neurons, Goate's research has shown that microglia play a critical role in the disease. Specifically, there is a failure in communication between the microglial cells and neurons, which is causing the neurons to die. Understanding the role of microglia in Alzheimer's disease could lead to new therapeutic approaches.
Overall, Mount Sinai's Alzheimer's Neurogenomics research is contributing to the goal of finding a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. With the possibility of translating research findings into clinical applications, this research has the potential to improve human health in the near future.
