Variant rs12506228A is a genetic variant found close to the code for melatonin receptor 1a (MTNR1A). Sulkava et al. recently published an article in the Journal of Sleep that studies this genetic variant’s association with clinical and neuropathological Alzheimer’s disease. They found that there is an association. This variant was previously shown to be a risk factor for shift work intolerance. However further study is needed to clarify whether poor tolerance to shift work pe se indicates increased risk of Alzheimers disease. The researchers propose that circadian regulation may contribute to pathological cascade of Alzheimers disease.
Citation:
Sonja Sulkava, Pranuthi Muggalla, Raimo Sulkava, Hanna M Ollila, Terhi Peuralinna, Liisa Myllykangas, Karri Kaivola, David J Stone, Bryan J Traynor, Alan E Renton, Alberto M Rivera, Seppo Helisalmi, Hilkka Soininen, Tuomo Polvikoski, Mikko Hiltunen, Pentti J Tienari, Henri J Huttunen, Tiina Paunio; Melatonin receptor type 1A gene linked to Alzheimer’s disease in old age, Sleep, , zsy103, https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsy103
