Browsing by Author "Ramanan, Vijay K."

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    Analysis of the Inverse Association between Cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease: Results from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative Cohort
    (Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2014-04-11) Nudelman, Kelly N. H.; Risacher, Shannon L.; West, John D.; Nho, Kwangsik; Ramanan, Vijay K.; McDonald, Brenna C.; Shen, Li; Foroud, Tatiana M.; Schneider, Bryan P.; Saykin, Andrew J.
    Although a number of studies support a reciprocal inverse association between diagnoses of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), to date there has not been any systemic investigation of the neurobiological impact of or genetic risk factors underlying this effect. To facilitate this goal, this study aimed to replicate the inverse association of cancer and AD using data from the NIA Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, which includes age-matched cases and controls with information on cancer history, AD progression, neuroimaging, and genomic data. Subjects included individuals with AD (n=234), mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n=542), and healthy controls (HC, n=293). After controlling for sex, education, race/ethnicity, smoking, and apolipoprotein E (APOE) e2/3/4 allele groups, cancer history was protective against baseline AD diagnosis (p=0.042), and was associated with later age of AD onset (p=0.001). Cancer history appears to result in a cumulative protective effect; individuals with more than one cancer had a later age of AD onset compared to those with only one cancer (p=0.001). Finally, a protective effect of AD was also observed in individuals who developed incident cancer after enrolling (post-baseline visit); 20 individuals with MCI and 9 HC developed cancer, while no AD patients had subsequent cancer diagnoses (p=0.013). This supports previous research on the inverse association of cancer and AD, and importantly provides novel evidence that this effect appears to be independent of APOE, the major known genetic risk factor for AD. Future analyses will investigate the neurobiological and genetic basis of this effect.
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    CYP1B1-RMDN2 Alzheimer's disease endophenotype locus identified for cerebral tau PET
    (Springer Nature, 2024-09-20) Nho, Kwangsik; Risacher, Shannon L.; Apostolova, Liana G.; Bice, Paula J.; Brosch, Jared R.; Deardorff, Rachael; Faber, Kelley; Farlow, Martin R.; Foroud, Tatiana; Gao, Sujuan; Rosewood, Thea; Kim, Jun Pyo; Nudelman, Kelly; Yu, Meichen; Aisen, Paul; Sperling, Reisa; Hooli, Basavaraj; Shcherbinin, Sergey; Svaldi, Diana; Jack, Clifford R., Jr.; Jagust, William J.; Landau, Susan; Vasanthakumar, Aparna; Waring, Jeffrey F.; Doré, Vincent; Laws, Simon M.; Masters, Colin L.; Porter, Tenielle; Rowe, Christopher C.; Villemagne, Victor L.; Dumitrescu, Logan; Hohman, Timothy J.; Libby, Julia B.; Mormino, Elizabeth; Buckley, Rachel F.; Johnson, Keith; Yang, Hyun-Sik; Petersen, Ronald C.; Ramanan, Vijay K.; Ertekin-Taner, Nilüfer; Vemuri, Prashanthi; Cohen, Ann D.; Fan, Kang-Hsien; Kamboh, M. Ilyas; Lopez, Oscar L.; Bennett, David A.; Ali, Muhammad; Benzinger, Tammie; Cruchaga, Carlos; Hobbs, Diana; De Jager, Philip L.; Fujita, Masashi; Jadhav, Vaishnavi; Lamb, Bruce T.; Tsai, Andy P.; Castanho, Isabel; Mill, Jonathan; Weiner, Michael W.; Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI); Department of Defense Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (DoD-ADNI); Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer’s Study (A4 Study) and Longitudinal Evaluation of Amyloid Risk and Neurodegeneration (LEARN); Australian Imaging, Biomarker & Lifestyle Study (AIBL); Saykin, Andrew J.; Radiology and Imaging Sciences, School of Medicine
    Determining the genetic architecture of Alzheimer's disease pathologies can enhance mechanistic understanding and inform precision medicine strategies. Here, we perform a genome-wide association study of cortical tau quantified by positron emission tomography in 3046 participants from 12 independent studies. The CYP1B1-RMDN2 locus is associated with tau deposition. The most significant signal is at rs2113389, explaining 4.3% of the variation in cortical tau, while APOE4 rs429358 accounts for 3.6%. rs2113389 is associated with higher tau and faster cognitive decline. Additive effects, but no interactions, are observed between rs2113389 and diagnosis, APOE4, and amyloid beta positivity. CYP1B1 expression is upregulated in AD. rs2113389 is associated with higher CYP1B1 expression and methylation levels. Mouse model studies provide additional functional evidence for a relationship between CYP1B1 and tau deposition but not amyloid beta. These results provide insight into the genetic basis of cerebral tau deposition and support novel pathways for therapeutic development in AD.
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    FASTKD2 and human memory: functional pathways and prospects for novel therapeutic target development for Alzheimer's disease and age-associated memory decline
    (Future Medicine, 2015) Ramanan, Vijay K.; Saykin, Andrew J.; Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, IU School of Medicine
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    FASTKD2 is associated with memory and hippocampal structure in older adults
    (Nature Publishing Group, 2015-10) Ramanan, Vijay K.; Nho, Kwangsik; Shen, Li; Risacher, Shannon L.; Kim, Sungeun; McDonald, Brenna C.; Farlow, Martin R.; Foroud, Tatiana M.; Gao, Sujuan; Soininen, Hilkka; Kłoszewska, Iwona; Mecocci, Patrizia; Tsolaki, Magda; Vellas, Bruno; Lovestone, Simon; Aisen, Paul S.; Petersen, Ronald C.; Jack, Clifford R.; Shaw, Leslie M.; Trojanowski, John Q.; Weiner, Michael W.; Green, Robert C.; Toga, Arthur W.; De Jager, Philip L.; Yu, Lei; Bennett, David A.; Saykin, Andrew J.; Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, IU School of Medicine
    Memory impairment is the cardinal early feature of Alzheimer's disease, a highly prevalent disorder whose causes remain only partially understood. To identify novel genetic predictors, we used an integrative genomics approach to perform the largest study to date of human memory (n=14 781). Using a genome-wide screen, we discovered a novel association of a polymorphism in the pro-apoptotic gene FASTKD2 (fas-activated serine/threonine kinase domains 2; rs7594645-G) with better memory performance and replicated this finding in independent samples. Consistent with a neuroprotective effect, rs7594645-G carriers exhibited increased hippocampal volume and gray matter density and decreased cerebrospinal fluid levels of apoptotic mediators. The MTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) gene and pathways related to endocytosis, cholinergic neurotransmission, epidermal growth factor receptor signaling and immune regulation, among others, also displayed association with memory. These findings nominate FASTKD2 as a target for modulating neurodegeneration and suggest potential mechanisms for therapies to combat memory loss in normal cognitive aging and dementia.
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    Gene-based GWAS and -biological pathway analysis of the resilience of executive functioning
    (Springer US, 2014-03) Mukherjee, Shubhabrata; Kim, Sungeun; Ramanan, Vijay K.; Gibbons, Laura E.; Nho, Kwangsik; Glymour, M. Maria; Ertekin-Taner, Nilüfer; Montine, Thomas J.; Saykin, Andrew J.; Crane, Paul K.; Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative; Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, School of Medicine
    Resilience in executive functioning (EF) is characterized by high EF measured by neuropsychological test performance despite structural brain damage from neurodegenerative conditions. We previously reported single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genome-wide association study (GWAS) results for EF resilience. Here, we report gene- and pathway-based analyses of the same resilience phenotype, using an optimal SNP-set (Sequence) Kernel Association Test (SKAT) for gene-based analyses (conservative threshold for genome-wide significance = 0.05/18,123=2.8×10−6) and the gene-set enrichment package GSA-SNP for biological pathway analyses (False discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05). Gene-based analyses found a genome-wide significant association between RNASE13 and EF resilience (p=1.33×10−7). Genetic pathways involved with dendritic/neuron spine, presynaptic membrane, postsynaptic density etc. were enriched with association to EF resilience. Although replication of these results is necessary, our findings indicate the potential value of gene- and pathway-based analyses in research on determinants of cognitive resilience.
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    Genetic Influences on Plasma Homocysteine Levels in African Americans and Yoruba Nigerians.
    (IOS Press, 2015) Kim, Sungeun; Nho, Kwangsik; Ramanan, Vijay K.; Lai, Dongbing; Foroud, Tatiana M.; Lane, Katie; Murrell, Jill R.; Gao, Sujuan; Hall, Kathleen S.; Unverzagt, Frederick W.; Baiyewu, Olusegun; Ogunniyi, Adesola; Gureje, Oye; Kling, Mitchel A.; Doraiswamy, P. Murali; Kaddurah-Daouk, Rima; Hendrie, Hugh C.; Saykin, Andrew J.; Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, IU School of Medicine
    Plasma homocysteine, a metabolite involved in key cellular methylation processes seems to be implicated in cognitive functions and cardiovascular health with its high levels representing a potential modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other dementias. A better understanding of the genetic factors regulating homocysteine levels, particularly in non-white populations, may help in risk stratification analyses of existing clinical trials and may point to novel targets for homocysteine-lowering therapy. To identify genetic influences on plasma homocysteine levels in individuals with African ancestry, we performed a targeted gene and pathway-based analysis using a priori biological information and then to identify new association performed a genome-wide association study. All analyses used combined data from the African American and Yoruba cohorts from the Indianapolis-Ibadan Dementia Project. Targeted analyses demonstrated significant associations of homocysteine and variants within the CBS (Cystathionine beta-Synthase) gene. We identified a novel genome-wide significant association of the AD risk gene CD2AP (CD2-associated protein) with plasma homocysteine levels in both cohorts. Minor allele (T) carriers of identified CD2AP variant (rs6940729) exhibited decreased homocysteine level. Pathway enrichment analysis identified several interesting pathways including the GABA receptor activation pathway. This is noteworthy given the known antagonistic effect of homocysteine on GABA receptors. These findings identify several new targets warranting further investigation in relation to the role of homocysteine in neurodegeneration.
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    Genetic studies of quantitative MCI and AD phenotypes in ADNI: Progress, opportunities, and plans
    (Elsevier, 2015-07) Saykin, Andrew J.; Shen, Li; Yao, Xiaohui; Kim, Sungeun; Nho, Kwangsik; Risacher, Shannon L.; Ramanan, Vijay K.; Foroud, Tatiana M.; Faber, Kelly M.; Sarwar, Nadeem; Munsie, Leanne M.; Hu, Xiaolan; Soares, Holly D.; Potkin, Steven G.; Thompson, Paul M.; Kauwe, John S. K.; Kaddurah-Daouk, Rima; Green, Robert C.; Toga, Arthur W.; Weiner, Michael W.; Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative; Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, IU School of Medicine
    INTRODUCTION: Genetic data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) have been crucial in advancing the understanding of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. Here, we provide an update on sample collection, scientific progress and opportunities, conceptual issues, and future plans. METHODS: Lymphoblastoid cell lines and DNA and RNA samples from blood have been collected and banked, and data and biosamples have been widely disseminated. To date, APOE genotyping, genome-wide association study (GWAS), and whole exome and whole genome sequencing data have been obtained and disseminated. RESULTS: ADNI genetic data have been downloaded thousands of times, and >300 publications have resulted, including reports of large-scale GWAS by consortia to which ADNI contributed. Many of the first applications of quantitative endophenotype association studies used ADNI data, including some of the earliest GWAS and pathway-based studies of biospecimen and imaging biomarkers, as well as memory and other clinical/cognitive variables. Other contributions include some of the first whole exome and whole genome sequencing data sets and reports in healthy controls, mild cognitive impairment, and AD. DISCUSSION: Numerous genetic susceptibility and protective markers for AD and disease biomarkers have been identified and replicated using ADNI data and have heavily implicated immune, mitochondrial, cell cycle/fate, and other biological processes. Early sequencing studies suggest that rare and structural variants are likely to account for significant additional phenotypic variation. Longitudinal analyses of transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and epigenomic changes will also further elucidate dynamic processes underlying preclinical and prodromal stages of disease. Integration of this unique collection of multiomics data within a systems biology framework will help to separate truly informative markers of early disease mechanisms and potential novel therapeutic targets from the vast background of less relevant biological processes. Fortunately, a broad swath of the scientific community has accepted this grand challenge.
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    Genome-wide association study of language performance in Alzheimer's disease
    (Elsevier, 2017-09) Deters, Kacie D.; Nho, Kwangsik; Risacher, Shannon L.; Kim, Sungeun; Ramanan, Vijay K.; Crane, Paul K.; Apostolova, Liana G.; Saykin, Andrew J.; Radiology and Imaging Sciences, School of Medicine
    Language impairment is common in prodromal stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and progresses over time. However, the genetic architecture underlying language performance is poorly understood. To identify novel genetic variants associated with language performance, we analyzed brain MRI and performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using a composite measure of language performance from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI; n=1560). The language composite score was associated with brain atrophy on MRI in language and semantic areas. GWAS identified GLI3 (GLI family zinc finger 3) as significantly associated with language performance (p<5×10-8). Enrichment of GWAS association was identified in pathways related to nervous system development and glutamate receptor function and trafficking. Our results, which warrant further investigation in independent and larger cohorts, implicate GLI3, a developmental transcription factor involved in patterning brain structures, as a putative gene associated with language dysfunction in AD.
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    Genome-wide pathway analysis of memory impairment in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort
    (Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2012-04-13) Ramanan, Vijay K.; Kim, Sungeun; Holohan, Kelly; Shen, Li; Nho, Kwangsik; Risacher, Shannon L.; Foroud, Tatiana M.; Mukherjee, Shubhabrata; Crane, Paul K.; Aisen, Paul S.; Petersen, Ronald C.; Weiner, Michael W.; Saykin, Andrew J.
    Memory deficits are prominent features of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The genetic architecture underlying these memory deficits likely involves the combined effects of multiple genetic variants operative within numerous biological pathways. In order to identify functional pathways associated with memory impairment, we performed a pathway enrichment analysis on genome-wide association data from 742 Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) participants. A composite measure of memory was generated as the phenotype for this analysis by applying modern psychometric theory to item-level data from the ADNI neuropsychological test battery. Using the GSA-SNP software tool, we identified 27 canonical, expertly-curated pathways with enrichment (FDR-corrected p-value < 0.05) against this composite memory score. Processes classically understood to be involved in memory consolidation, such as neurotransmitter receptor-mediated calcium signaling and long-term potentiation, were highly represented among the enriched pathways. In addition, pathways related to cell adhesion, neuronal differentiation and guided outgrowth, and glucose- and inflammation-related signaling were also enriched. Among genes that were highly-represented in these enriched pathways, we found indications of coordinated relationships, including one large gene set that is subject to regulation by the SP1 transcription factor, and another set that displays co-localized expression in normal brain tissue along with known AD risk genes. These results 1) highlight key pathways and their candidate genes that appear to underlie susceptibility to memory impairment in this population, 2) suggest mechanistic targets for future studies related to diagnosis and treatment of memory deficits, and 3) validate the promise of pathway analysis in elucidating key processes underlying complex traits.
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    GWAS of longitudinal amyloid accumulation on 18F-florbetapir PET in Alzheimer’s disease implicates microglial activation gene IL1RAP.
    (Oxford UP, 2015-10) Ramanan, Vijay K.; Risacher, Shannon L.; Nho, Kwangsik; Kim, Sungeun; Shen, Li; McDonald, Brenna C.; Yoder, Karmen K.; Hutchins, Gary D.; West, John D.; Tallman, Eileen F.; Gao, Sujuan; Foroud, Tatiana M.; Farlow, Martin R.; De Jager, Philip L.; Bennett, David A.; Aisen, Paul S.; Petersen, Ronald C.; Jack, Clifford R.; Toga, Arthur W.; Green, Robert C.; Jagust, William J.; Weiner, Michael W.; Saykin, Andrew J.; Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, IU School of Medicine
    In a genome-wide study, Ramanan et al. discover an association between the microglial activation gene IL1RAP and higher rates of amyloid plaque accumulation as measured by PET in prodromal Alzheimer’s disease. Activated microglia may be crucial in amyloid clearance, and targeting the interleukin-1/IL1RAP pathway may be a potential therapeutic approach.