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Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Mapping Alzheimer's Disease Variants to Their Target Genes Using Computational Analysis of Chromatin Configuration
Published on: January 9, 2020
Coding variants in TREM2 increase risk for Alzheimer's disease
Sheng Chih Jin1, Bruno A Benitez1, Celeste M Karch2
1Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave. B8134, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Rare variants in the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid 2 (TREM2) gene significantly increase Alzheimer's disease risk. This study identified novel TREM2 variants associated with AD, reinforcing its role in neurodegeneration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Immunology
Background:
- The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid 2 (TREM2) is a microglial receptor crucial for brain immune responses.
- Mutations in TREM2 are linked to rare dementias, and a specific variant (p.R47H) increases Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if additional rare variants in TREM2 significantly impact AD risk.
- To identify novel TREM2 variants associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Main Methods:
- Pooled sequencing of TREM2 coding regions in 2082 AD cases and 1648 controls.
- Single-variant and gene-based association tests.
- Genotyping in family members and analysis of TREM2 transcripts.
Main Results:
- Sixteen non-synonymous TREM2 variants were identified, including six novel ones.
- Two variants, p.R47H and p.R62H, showed significant association with AD risk.
- Gene-based tests confirmed a genome-wide significant association of TREM2 variants with AD, independent of p.R47H.
Conclusions:
- TREM2 is confirmed as a significant risk gene for Alzheimer's disease.
- Multiple rare variants in TREM2 contribute to AD pathogenesis.
- TREM2's role in microglial function is critical for brain health and AD development.
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