Tute Genomics biomarker discovery platform to support BYU's Alzheimer's disease genetics research

Tute Genomics has announced that its genome annotation and discovery platform will support Brigham Young University’s (BYU) efforts to advance Alzheimer’s disease genetics research. This collaboration involves analysis and interpretation of next-generation sequencing data from more than 1,000 exomes and genomes to identify new genetic variants associated with the disease.

John Kauwe, PhD, is leading a group of scientists from the BYU College of Life Sciences that is leveraging Tute Genomics in a large-scale effort to better understand the genetic basis of Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Kauwe’s group is looking to utilize Tute Genomics’ biomarker discovery platform to identify novel targets that may be used for therapeutic interventions.

The Alzheimer’s Genetic Analysis Group is a collaborative effort led by John Hardy, PhD, University College London. Late last year this group discovered a novel genetic variant that doubles a person’s risk of developing the disease later in life. The study included families that had several members with Alzheimer’s. The scientists sequenced and compared genes of those individuals affected by the disease and those who were not. They were then able to identify variations in a gene that appeared in affected family members.

Another of their recent studies has helped lift the veil on some of the mystery surrounding the causes of Alzheimer’s. The research team analyzed data from more than 25,000 people and reported that a rare genetic mutation in TREM2, a gene with function in the immune and inflammatory response, increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Learn more about the areas of expertise of Tute Genomics.