A new genetic map developed in Brazil has identified 129 possible therapeutic targets to combat Alzheimer's disease. The study utilizes artificial intelligence and RNA analysis to expand the search for treatment methods and uncover new possibilities for diagnosing this disease, which currently lacks a cure.
The work was conducted by the Brazilian startup BioDecision Analytics. The project aims to increase the number of investigated targets beyond proteins traditionally associated with Alzheimer's disease, such as beta-amyloid and tau. According to the publication Pesquisa para Inovação from FAPESP, scientists analyzed genetic data from thousands of samples to detect changes correlating with the disease. This work may help researchers and pharmaceutical companies find new avenues for developing medications and blood tests.
For decades, most research has focused on beta-amyloid. When this protein accumulates abnormally in the brain, it forms plaques that disrupt communication between neurons and cause inflammatory processes. For a long time, beta-amyloid was the only known target for Alzheimer's therapy, necessitating the exploration of other areas.
To create the genetic map, the team used 2870 samples of brain tissue and blood from both healthy individuals and patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The data were obtained from the Sequence Read Archive (SRA), a public database supported by the US government. Brain samples included five different regions selected for their specific functions: the hippocampus (related to memory), the cingulate cortex (related to information processing), Wernicke's area (related to language), the visual cortex (responsible for vision), and Broca's area (involved in communication).
Researchers considered the separation of these areas crucial because the brain is not a homogeneous tissue; each region possesses its own genetic characteristics, and mixing this information could obscure significant changes.
Data processing was carried out using the BDASeq® platform, developed by BioDecision with support from FAPESP's Small Business Innovation Research Program (PIPE). The tool analyzes RNA sequencing to identify genes whose activity changes in people with Alzheimer's disease. Since RNA is involved in protein production in cells, these changes may indicate processes involved in the development of the disease.
João Rafael Dias Pinto, co-founder of BioDecision, explains that combining various statistical methods helps reduce errors. He noted that most studies use only one statistical method, leading to a large amount of noise.
The platform integrates eight statistical techniques and includes an artificial intelligence layer that correlates genetic data with clinical information. Thus, researchers can prioritize changes with the greatest potential for creating drugs or diagnostic tools.
The analysis revealed over 4200 genes with altered expression in Alzheimer's patients. Among them, 75 genes are linked to neuronal plasticity—the ability of neurons to form new connections, a process affected by the disease. Eight genes from this group had not previously been indicated as potential therapeutic targets in prior studies. Another group consisted of 74 genes altered in both the brain and blood, making them candidates for biomarkers.
Of these genes, 21 showed an accuracy above 90% in differentiating between individuals with Alzheimer's disease and healthy individuals. Araldi stated that today, Alzheimer's diagnosis is clinical, lengthy, and imprecise. He added that this discovery provides the possibility of conducting diagnosis through blood analysis, which is much more accessible.
The results were presented at the AD/PD Congress held in Copenhagen, Denmark. Although the findings are promising, researchers emphasize that several more stages are required before drugs or tests based on these findings become available. BioDecision also plans to expand access to the platform via the cloud so that small laboratories can perform advanced analysis without depending on large computing structures.
The Venezuelan government has announced the implementation of a unified housing registration in temporary camps using biometric data to thoroughly study the situation of every affected person.
According to an official, the registration will be carried out through a fingerprint scanning system. The Venezuelan government estimates that 17,907 people have lost their homes due to the earthquakes. Of these, 17,266 are located in 89 temporary camps situated in Caracas and the states of Miranda and La Guaira, which are the most affected regions due to the collapse of numerous buildings.
According to an official report updated on Friday, the earthquakes also resulted in the deaths of at least 4,118 people and injuries to 16,740 people. Furthermore, the official assured that a special program has been created to support residents' associations in repairing their homes.
The official's predecessor previously promised on June 29 that everyone affected by the earthquake would receive housing by the end of the current year. This week, she convened national and international companies to carry out 'aggressive and rapid' construction of buildings. Meanwhile, soil and subsurface specialists are helping to determine locations where the government plans to build 'anti-seismic cities.'
The Venezuelan government's plan, which is supported by the United Nations, includes importing ready-made housing into the country to address the housing crisis caused by the double earthquake. Thomas Fletcher, UN Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, told EFE in an interview that the multilateral body is already engaged in 'fundraising' for this purpose.
The President of Venezuela also reported that she had been negotiating with countries such as the United States and Brazil, as well as with institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, to accelerate the recovery process.
