Alzheimer's Linked to 3D Genome Folding Disruption in Brain Cells
A new study published in Science reveals that the three-dimensional folding of DNA in brain cells differs significantly in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, and other institutions found that these structural changes, specifically increased 'compartment mingling,' correlate with reduced gene activity and altered tissue organization. By using single-cell technology and a new AI model, the team identified these genomic shifts as a potential new layer of the disease's pathology, moving beyond traditional markers like amyloid plaques and tau tangles. These findings suggest that genome architecture could be a target for future therapies.
