Researchers identify alterations in 3D genome structure linked to Alzheimer's disease

The short version

• Researchers discovered that the three-dimensional organization of DNA is altered in certain brain cells of people with Alzheimer's disease.[ScienceDaily]
• The study analyzed postmortem prefrontal cortex tissue using single-cell technology, spatial mapping, and an artificial intelligence model called Hicformer.[ScienceDaily]
• In Alzheimer's brain cells, boundaries between active and inactive genomic regions were less defined, leading to increased compartment mingling.[ScienceDaily]
• The findings establish higher-order chromatin structural changes as an additional molecular component associated with Alzheimer's disease.[ScienceDaily]

Key facts

• Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Washington found 3D genome alterations in Alzheimer's brain cells.[ScienceDaily]
• The research team used GAGE-seq and spatial transcriptomics to evaluate gene expression and 3D genome contacts in prefrontal cortex tissue samples.[ScienceDaily]
• An AI model named Hicformer was used to connect chromosome structural changes with cell-specific gene activity.[ScienceDaily]
• The study was funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health.[ScienceDaily]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Scientists find a new layer of Alzheimer’s hidden in the genomeScienceDaily - Health