Scientists Map Gene Contributing to Alzheimer's

A novel gene that contributes to the occurrence of the common form of Alzheimer's disease has been mapped by scientists at deCode Genetics (Reykjavik, Iceland; www.decode.com). The location of the gene within a narrow chromosomal region was achieved through a study focusing on Alzheimer's disease as a public health problem and involving 1,100 participating Icelandic patients and their unaffected relatives. deCode notes that the finding underscores the role of genetics in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's and represents a critical milestone on the way to identifying the gene and its disease-linked variants.

deCode is conducting ongoing research into the inherited causes of common diseases. Through its population-based approach and data-mining techniques, the company seeks to turn raw genomics data into products and services for the healthcare industry. Last year, deCode identified a narrow chromosomal region carrying a gene that contributes to arthritis, and earlier this year announced that its scientists had mapped a gene linked to stroke.

This work underscores the feasibility and power of studying common complex diseases using Iceland's unique resources, said Kari Stefansson, CEO of deCode Genetics.

F. Hoffmann-LaRoche (Basel, Switzerland) has made a milestone payment to deCode under the terms of their agreement, and in turn plans to initiate a discovery and development program for new diagnostics and therapeutics based on the new genetic information.



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