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Application of Granger Causality Analysis of the Directed Functional Connection in Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: August 7, 2017
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Association between structural brain features and gene expression by weighted gene co-expression network analysis in
Xuwen Wang1, Kexin Huang1, Fan Yang1
1School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710071, PR China.
Behavioural Brain Research
|May 3, 2021
Summary
Understanding Alzheimer's disease progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is key. Brain structure and gene expression in the left paracentral lobule and sulcus influence MCI to Alzheimer's conversion.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediate stage between normal cognition and dementia.
- Predicting MCI to AD conversion is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between brain structure and gene expression in MCI patients.
- To identify factors influencing the conversion from MCI to AD.
- To establish an imaging genetics foundation for MCI to AD progression.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 180 MCI participants over eight years.
- Analysis of 1,036 structural brain characteristics and 15,481 gene expression values.
- Application of weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and mediation effect analysis.
Main Results:
- Significant correlations found between specific genes and brain region thickness (L.PTS, R.SubPS).
- CTCF, UQCR11, and WDR5B identified as mutual genes in MCI to AD conversion.
- Left paracentral lobule and sulcus (L.PTS) thickness mediates CTCF gene expression and clinical scores.
Conclusions:
- MCI to AD conversion is linked to L.PTS thickness and CTCF, UQCR11, WDR5B gene expression.
- These findings provide an imaging genetics basis for understanding MCI progression.
- Identifying biomarkers for MCI conversion can aid in early diagnosis and treatment strategies.
