Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 1, 2025

A Novel Strategy Combining Array-CGH, Whole-exome Sequencing and In Utero Electroporation in Rodents to Identify Causative Genes for Brain Malformations

A Novel Strategy Combining Array-CGH, Whole-exome Sequencing and In Utero Electroporation in Rodents to Identify Causative Genes for Brain Malformations

Published on: December 1, 2017

Mitochondria-Related Genome-Wide Mendelian Randomization Identifies Putatively Causal Genes for Neurodegenerative

Zheyi Wang^1,2, Yize Sun³, Zetai Bai^1,2

¹Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.

Movement Disorders : Official Journal of the Movement Disorder Society

|January 22, 2025

Abstract

Background:

Mitochondrial dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a key factor in neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), underscoring the therapeutic potential of targeting mitochondria-related genes. This study aimed to identify novel biomarkers and drug targets for these diseases through a comprehensive analysis that integrated genome-wide Mendelian randomization (MR) with genes associated with mitochondrial function.

Methods:

Using existing publicly available genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics and comprehensive data on 1136 mitochondria-related genes, we initially identified a subset of genes related to mitochondrial function that exhibited significant associations with NDDs. We then conducted colocalization and summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) analyses using expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) to validate the causal role of these candidate genes. Additionally, we assessed the druggability of the encoded proteins to prioritize potential therapeutic targets for further exploration.

Results:

Genetically predicted levels of 10 genes were found to be significantly associated with the risk of NDDs. Elevated DMPK and LACTB2 levels were associated with increased Alzheimer's disease risk. Higher expression of NDUFAF2, BCKDK, and MALSU1, along with lower TTC19, raised Parkinson's disease risk. Higher ACLY levels were associated with both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis (MS) risks, while decreased MCL1, TOP3A, and VWA8 levels raised MS risk. These genes primarily impact mitochondrial function and energy metabolism. Notably, several druggable protein targets identified are being explored for potential NDDs treatment.

Conclusions:

This data-driven MR study demonstrated the causal role of mitochondrial dysfunction in NDDs. Additionally, this study identified candidate genes that could serve as potential pharmacological targets for the prevention and treatment of NDDs. © 2025 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Keywords:

Mendelian randomization biomarker drug targets mitochondrion neurodegenerative diseases

More Related Videos

A Strategy to Identify de Novo Mutations in Common Disorders such as Autism and Schizophrenia

A Strategy to Identify de Novo Mutations in Common Disorders such as Autism and Schizophrenia

Published on: June 15, 2011

In Vivo Functional Study of Disease-associated Rare Human Variants Using Drosophila

In Vivo Functional Study of Disease-associated Rare Human Variants Using Drosophila

Published on: August 20, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Animal Mitochondrial Genetics

Animal Mitochondrial Genetics

Among all the organelles in an animal cell, only mitochondria have their own independent genomes. Animal mitochondrial DNA is a double-stranded, closed-circular molecule with around 20,000 base pairs. Mitochondrial DNA is unique in that one of its two strands, the heavy, or H, -strand is guanine rich, whereas the complementary strand is cytosine rich and called the light, or L, -strand. Compared to nuclear DNA, mitochondrial DNA has a very low percentage of non-coding regions and is marked by...

Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS

Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS

Genome-wide association studies or GWAS are used to identify whether common SNPs are associated with certain diseases. Suppose specific SNPs are more frequently observed in individuals with a particular disease than those without the disease. In that case, those SNPs are said to be associated with the disease. Chi-square analysis is performed to check the probability of the allele likely to be associated with the disease.
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...

Human Genetics

Human 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...

Incomplete Dominance

Incomplete 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.

Mutations

Mutations

Pleiotropy

Pleiotropy

Pleiotropy is the phenomenon in which a single gene impacts multiple, seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits. For example, defects in the SOX10 gene cause Waardenburg Syndrome Type 4, or WS4, which can cause defects in pigmentation, hearing impairments, and an absence of intestinal contractions necessary for elimination. This diversity of phenotypes results from the expression pattern of SOX10 in early embryonic and fetal development. SOX10 is found in neural crest cells that form melanocytes,...

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Technological Advances in Molecular Diagnostic Methods for Hereditary Diseases in Preconception and Prenatal Settings.

Current issues in molecular biology·2026

Impact of Physical Activity on Stroke Risk in Middle-Aged and Older Adults.

Brain and behavior·2026

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a multi-layer-linked idebenone derivative targeting mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation for ischemic stroke.

Bioorganic chemistry·2026

Proteome-wide Mendelian Randomization and Colocalization Nominate CD58, PARP1, and Immune Co-stimulatory Pathways as Genetically Supported Targets for Multiple Sclerosis.

Current neuropharmacology·2026

Reproductive toxicity and transgenerational effects of microplastics: Evidence from experimental models and underlying epigenetic mechanisms.

Reproductive toxicology (Elmsford, N.Y.)·2026

Discovery of Imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole-Based MNK Inhibitors with Anti-inflammatory Efficacy via Dual Suppression of eIF4E Phosphorylation and NF-κB Signaling.

Journal of medicinal chemistry·2026

See all related articles