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A Phenotyping Regimen for Genetically Modified Mice Used to Study Genes Implicated in Human Diseases of Aging
Published on: July 14, 2016
Polymorphisms in the gene encoding 11B-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD11B1) and lifetime cognitive change
Ian J Deary1, Caroline Hayward, Paska A Permana
1Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, UK. I.Deary@ed.ac.uk
Neuroscience Letters
|October 21, 2005
Summary
Genetic variants in the HSD11B1 gene were investigated for their role in cognitive aging. Researchers found no significant association between specific HSD11B1 polymorphisms and cognitive decline over a lifetime.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Gerontology
Background:
- 11B-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD11B1) plays a role in regulating glucocorticoid levels.
- A rare HSD11B1 polymorphism (rs846911-C/A) has been linked to increased Alzheimer's disease risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between HSD11B1 gene polymorphisms and lifetime cognitive change in humans.
- To determine if rs846911-C/A, rs12086634-G/T, and rs846910-A/G influence cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 194 participants from the Scottish Mental Survey of 1932, tested at ages 11 and 79.
- Comparison of cognitive performance and HSD11B1 genotype frequencies between individuals with the most and least cognitive decline.
- Genotyping for HSD11B1 polymorphisms rs846911-C/A, rs12086634-G/T, and rs846910-A/G.
Main Results:
- The rs846911-C/A polymorphism was absent in the studied groups.
- No significant differences in the frequencies of rs12086634-G/T and rs846910-A/G were observed between groups with high and low cognitive decline.
- Cognitive decline varied significantly between groups, but this variation was not explained by the tested HSD11B1 polymorphisms.
Conclusions:
- The investigated HSD11B1 gene variants are not significant contributors to the spectrum of cognitive aging observed in this cohort.
- Further research may be needed to explore other genetic or environmental factors influencing cognitive decline.
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