Researchers:
Funding year(s):
2005 - 2011
Funding to date:
$5,841,000
The Alzheimer’s Genome Project is Cure Alzheimer’s fund core research effort. It has the objective of identifying all relevant Alzheimer’s genes that have not yet been discovered, thereby identifying more targets for the development of therapeutic interventions. It is the largest family-based genome scan ever of a single disease. A milestone for this project was achieved in 2008 with the identification of new genes that confer risk for or protection against Alzheimer’s. This accomplishment was recognized by TIME magazine and CNN as one of the top ten medical breakthroughs of the year.
Prior to this project, there were 4 known Alzheimer’s genes. Now CAF researchers have identified more than 120 candidate genes and have already confirmed the mechanisms of action of several of these, thereby readying them for drug discovery. Twenty five of the most important of the genes are undergoing detailed translational analysis.
This effort represents some of the most important Alzheimer’s breakthroughs in recent history, as the genes will greatly facilitate the development of effective therapies for the disease. Each newly identified gene offers fresh understanding of the pathology of the disease and holds promise for the development of therapeutic intervention.