Investigating the molecular genetic mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease and its common comorbidities

Project Outline: 

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most prevalent form of dementia, ranks among the leading chronic disorders with increasing global public health importance. Evidence from conventional observational studies indicates that AD often co-occurs with several conditions more than expected by chance; however, mechanisms underlying the disorder and its observed comorbidities are poorly understood. Moreover, AD currently has no known disease-modifying or curative treatment largely because its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Given the compelling evidence of genetic contribution to the risk of AD (with a heritability of about 70%), genetic studies can strongly enhance our understanding of its risk and biological underpinnings. The present project, thus, aims to comprehensively assess the molecular genetic mechanisms of AD and its common comorbid disorders.

This project will be based on a secondary analysis of existing large-scale genetic data. Advanced statistical genetic methods will be utilised and a range of data integrated for an in-depth assessment.

Project Area: Medical Science; Neuroscience; Genomics.

Research Centre: Centre for Precision Health

Supervisors: Dr Emmanuel Adewuyi, Professor Simon Laws.

Project level: Masters and PhD

Desired Skills: Applicants should have statistical and quantitative skills with experience in using at least one statistical package (for example R, SPSS, etc). Experience using the Linux environment for data analysis will be an advantage.

Funding: Applicant should apply for ECUHDR or RTP Scholarship.

Start date: Ongoing.