Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
09:37
A Phenotyping Regimen for Genetically Modified Mice Used to Study Genes Implicated in Human Diseases of Aging
Published on: July 14, 2016
Genetics of leukoaraiosis
Stephen T Turner1, Myriam Fornage
1Division of Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. turner.stephen@mayo.edu
Summary
Genetic factors significantly influence leukoaraiosis, a brain condition linked to cognitive and gait issues in older adults. Understanding these genetic variations can improve diagnosis and treatment of vascular dementia.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Genetics
Background:
- Leukoaraiosis, characterized by white matter changes, is common in elderly brains via CT/MRI.
- While mild cases are asymptomatic, significant leukoaraiosis correlates with cognitive and gait impairments.
- Pathologically, it involves vascular changes and ischemic damage in small brain vessels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of genetic variation in leukoaraiosis.
- To understand how genetic factors contribute to individual differences in leukoaraiosis severity.
- To explore the potential of genetic characterization for improving diagnosis and treatment of vascular dementia.
Main Methods:
- Utilized computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for brain assessment.
- Performed histopathological analysis of affected brain tissue.
- Analyzed genetic variations associated with leukoaraiosis volume and clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Identified significant genetic contributions to interindividual differences in leukoaraiosis.
- Established a link between genetic variation and adverse clinical outcomes associated with leukoaraiosis.
- Highlighted the role of genetic factors in the development of ischemic brain injury.
Conclusions:
- Genetic variation is a key determinant of leukoaraiosis burden and its clinical impact.
- Further characterization of genetic factors can elucidate molecular mechanisms of ischemic brain injury.
- This research may pave the way for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for vascular dementia.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:11Genetic Lingo
Overview
01:28Human Genetics
Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
02:41Lethal Alleles
Agouti: A Lethal Allele
Lucien Cuénot discovered lethal alleles in 1905 while studying the inheritance of coat color in mice. The agouti gene is responsible for the color of the coat in mice. This gene codes for an agouti-signaling protein, which is responsible for melanin distribution in mammals. The wild-type allele gives rise to gray-brown coat color in mice, while the mutant allele gives rise to yellow coat color. In addition to coat color, the agouti gene is associated with the yellow...
Lucien Cuénot discovered lethal alleles in 1905 while studying the inheritance of coat color in mice. The agouti gene is responsible for the color of the coat in mice. This gene codes for an agouti-signaling protein, which is responsible for melanin distribution in mammals. The wild-type allele gives rise to gray-brown coat color in mice, while the mutant allele gives rise to yellow coat color. In addition to coat color, the agouti gene is associated with the yellow...
01:29Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...
01:23Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Alzheimer disease involves structural changes in the brain that begin long before symptoms appear. The most distinctive features are extracellular neuritic plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles.Neuritic plaques form in the cerebral cortex and around blood vessels. These plaques contain a dense core of beta-amyloid (Aβ)—a toxic protein fragment that clumps outside neurons. The core is surrounded by damaged neuronal extensions, as well as reactive astrocytes and microglia. Abnormal...
01:43Incomplete Dominance
Gregor Mendel's work (1822 - 1884) was primarily focused on pea plants. Through his initial experiments, he determined that every gene in a diploid cell has two variants called alleles inherited from each parent. He suggested that amongst these two alleles, one allele is dominant in character and the other recessive. The combination of alleles determines the phenotype of a gene in an organism.