Resistance to autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease in an APOE3 Christchurch homozygote: a case report.

We identified a PSEN1 (presenilin 1) mutation carrier from the world's largest autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease kindred, who did not develop mild cognitive impairment until her seventies, three decades after the expected age of clinical onset. The individual had two copies of the APOE3 Christchurch (R136S) mutation, unusually high brain amyloid levels and limited tau and neurodegenerative measurements. Our findings have implications for the role of APOE in the pathogenesis, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease

Family history of Alzheimer's disease alters cognition and is modified by medical and genetic factors

In humans, a first-degree family history of dementia (FH) is a well-documented risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, the influence of FH on cognition across the lifespan is poorly understood. To address this issue, we developed an internet-based paired-associates learning (PAL) task and tested 59,571 participants between the ages of 18-85. FH was associated with lower PAL performance in both sexes under 65 years old. Modifiers of this effect of FH on PAL performance included age, sex, education, and diabetes. The Apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 allele was also associated with lower PAL scores in FH positive individuals. Here we show, FH is associated with reduced PAL performance four decades before the typical onset of AD; additionally, several heritable and non-heritable modifiers of this effect were identified.Mueller Family Charitable Trust; Arizona Department of Health Services; National Institutes of Health [R01-AG041232, R01-AG049465-05]; Flinn FoundationOpen access journalThis item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]

Biallelic VARS variants cause developmental encephalopathy with microcephaly that is recapitulated in vars knockout zebrafish

Aminoacyl tRNA synthetases (ARSs) link specific amino acids with their cognate transfer RNAs in a critical early step of protein translation. Mutations in ARSs have emerged as a cause of recessive, often complex neurological disease traits. Here we report an allelic series consisting of seven novel and two previously reported biallelic variants in valyl-tRNA synthetase (VARS) in ten patients with a developmental encephalopathy with microcephaly, often associated with early-onset epilepsy. In silico, in vitro, and yeast complementation assays demonstrate that the underlying pathomechanism of these mutations is most likely a loss of protein function. Zebrafish modeling accurately recapitulated some of the key neurological disease traits. These results provide both genetic and biological insights into neurodevelopmental disease and pave the way for further in-depth research on ARS related recessive disorders and precision therapies

Biallelic VARS variants cause developmental encephalopathy with microcephaly that is recapitulated in vars knockout zebrafish

Aminoacyl tRNA synthetases (ARSs) link specific amino acids with their cognate transfer RNAs in a critical early step of protein translation. Mutations in ARSs have emerged as a cause of recessive, often complex neurological disease traits. Here we report an allelic series consisting of seven novel and two previously reported biallelic variants in valyl-tRNA synthetase (VARS) in ten patients with a developmental encephalopathy with microcephaly, often associated with early-onset epilepsy. In silico, in vitro, and yeast complementation assays demonstrate that the underlying pathomechanism of these mutations is most likely a loss of protein function. Zebrafish modeling accurately recapitulated some of the key neurological disease traits. These results provide both genetic and biological insights into neurodevelopmental disease and pave the way for further in-depth research on ARS related recessive disorders and precision therapies

Assessment of a Regional Aquifer in Central Illinois

This study of an important regional sand and gravel aquifer in central Illinois is part of an assessment of public groundwater supplies undertaken jointly by the Illinois State Geological Survey and State Water Survey with the support of the Division of Water Resources, Illinois Department of Transportation. The aquifer has alleviated water problems for several communities in Macon, Christian, Montgomery, and Shelby Counties, which are located in a region with a long history of water shortages. Presently nine municipalities (Macon, Blue Mound, Assumption, Stonington, Taylorville, Palmer, Morrisonville, Harvel, and Raymond) and one industry (Hopper Paper Division, located in Taylorville) obtain all or part of their water supplies from this source. One additional village (Moweaqua) is planning to develop a supply from the aquifer soon. This study was initiated to determine the adequacy of the aquifer both for present and anticipated future demands. The objectives were to identify the geologic and hydrologic characteristics of the aquifer and to develop a numerical model that would predict the response of the aquifer to future pumpage. The results of the model indicate that the aquifer is capable of providing the present and future water needs of the communities presently tapping it, with the possible exception of Taylorville. If water levels at Taylorville decline as predicted, Hopper Paper Division and/or Taylorville may be required to reduce pumpage to avoid possible damage to their wells. Updating and expanding the surface water treatment at Taylorville may be a possible solution. For the south part of the aquifer, the available data suggest that there has been no depletion of the resource due to pumpage. Historical data indicate that the most critical elements of water supply development in the south half of the aquifer are well design and maintenance. Well performance monitoring practices can determine deterioration trends and allow timely remedial actions to be taken

Adenosine triphosphate Binding Cassette subfamily C member 1 (ABCC1) overexpression reduces APP processing and increases alpha- versus beta-secretase activity, <i>in vitro</i>

AbstractThe organic anion transporter Adenosine triphosphate Binding Cassette subfamily C member 1 (ABCC1), also known as MRP1, has been demonstrated in murine models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to export amyloid beta (Abeta) from the endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier to the periphery, and that pharmaceutical activation of ABCC1 can reduce amyloid plaque deposition in the brain. Here, we show that ABCC1 is not only capable of exporting Abeta from the cytoplasm of human cells, but also that it’s overexpression significantly reduces Abeta production and increases the ratio of alpha- versus beta-secretase mediated cleavage of the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP), likely via indirect modulation of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-secretase activity.</jats:p

Adenosine triphosphate Binding Cassette subfamily C member 1 (ABCC1) overexpression reduces APP processing and increases alpha- versus beta-secretase activity, <i>in vitro</i>

The organic anion transporter Adenosine triphosphate Binding Cassette subfamily C member 1 (ABCC1), also known as MRP1, has been demonstrated in murine models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) to export amyloid beta (Abeta) from the endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier to the periphery, and that pharmaceutical activation of ABCC1 can reduce amyloid plaque deposition in the brain. Here, we show that ABCC1 is not only capable of exporting Abeta from the cytoplasm of human cells, but also that it's overexpression significantly reduces Abeta production and increases the ratio of alpha- versus beta-secretase mediated cleavage of the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP), likely via indirect modulation of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-secretase activity.</jats:p