Brain Atrophy Associated With Risk Variant rs10191329 Extends Beyond Multiple Sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neurogenetics
• Neuroimaging
• Aging

Background:

• The risk allele rs10191329*A is known to correlate with increased disease severity and brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
• Understanding the role of genetic factors in age-related brain changes is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the rs10191329 genetic variant and age-related brain atrophy in a general population.
• To determine if the rs10191329*A allele contributes to brain volume changes in individuals without MS.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a population-based cohort of 4,815 participants aged 45 years and older.
• Analyzed 10,308 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans using cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches.
• Examined the association of the rs10191329*A allele with total brain volume and gray matter volume.

Main Results:

• The rs10191329*A allele was significantly associated with lower total brain volume and gray matter volume in middle-aged participants (under 55 years).
• No significant association was observed between the rs10191329*A allele and brain atrophy in older participants (55 years and older).

Conclusions:

• The rs10191329*A allele may contribute to an earlier onset of brain atrophy in the general population.
• The mechanisms underlying accelerated neurodegeneration influenced by this allele extend beyond the context of multiple sclerosis.