Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex disease with
the possible involvement of several genes. Genetic
studies on sporadic late-onset AD have determined
APOE*4 to be the major risk factor. Members of the
synuclein gene family are potential candidates for
the risk of AD. The persyn gene (gamma-synuclein)
has recently been characterized and a common
polymorphism (Glu110Val) has been identified. In
this study we investigated the association of this
polymorphism with sporadic late-onset AD patients.
We screened DNA samples of 313 late-onset cases and
352 controls. No significant association was
observed between the missense mutation and AD. When
the data were stratified by APOE*4 carriers and non-APOE*4
carriers, no difference was seen for the Glu110Val
polymorphism. There was also no difference in
genotype or allele frequency when stratified by the
ACT*A allele. Although our data show no effect of
this persyn polymorphism in AD, characterization of
additional polymorphisms in this gene may provide
more conclusive answers.