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Molecular Neurodegeneration
Published in: Molecular Neurodegeneration 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

Whole blood gene expression and white matter Hyperintensities

Authors: Honghuang Lin, Claudia Satizabal, Zhijun Xie, Qiong Yang, Tianxiao Huan, Roby Joehanes, Chengping Wen, Peter J. Munson, Alexa Beiser, Daniel Levy, Sudha Seshadri

Published in: Molecular Neurodegeneration | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are an important biomarker of cumulative vascular brain injury and have been associated with cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia, stroke, depression, and gait impairments. The pathogenesis of white matter lesions however, remains uncertain. The characterization of gene expression profiles associated with WMH might help uncover molecular mechanisms underlying WMH.

Methods

We performed a transcriptome-wide association study of gene expression profiles with WMH in 3248 participants from the Framingham Heart Study using the Affymetrix Human Exon 1.0 ST Array.

Results

We identified 13 genes that were significantly associated with WMH (FDR < 0.05) after adjusting for age, sex and blood cell components. Many of these genes are involved in inflammation-related pathways.

Conclusion

Thirteen genes were significantly associated with WMH. Our study confirms the hypothesis that inflammation might be an important factor contributing to white matter lesions. Future work is needed to explore if these gene products might serve as potential therapeutic targets.
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Metadata
Title
Whole blood gene expression and white matter Hyperintensities
Authors
Honghuang Lin
Claudia Satizabal
Zhijun Xie
Qiong Yang
Tianxiao Huan
Roby Joehanes
Chengping Wen
Peter J. Munson
Alexa Beiser
Daniel Levy
Sudha Seshadri
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Molecular Neurodegeneration / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1750-1326
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13024-017-0209-5

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