Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel methods, assays and systems for detecting an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a subject by identifying at least one nuclei acid polymorphism described herein in a biological sample from the subject. Levels of the genes associated with the nucleic acid polymorphism described herein are also determined for detection of higher risk for AD. Disclosed herein further provides methods for treating AD by administering to a subject in need thereof with ATXN1.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules containing polymorphisms in genes involved in neurodegenerative diseases are provided. Probes, primers, kits and methods for detection of polymorphisms in genes involved in neurodegenerative disease are provided. Methods based on detecting such polymorphisms for prognosticating, determining the occurrence, profiling drug response and drug discovery are also provided. Methods of screening for agents that modulate expression and/or activity of genes involved in neurodegenerative diseases, and of screening for agents that modulate a biological event characteristic of a neurodegenerative disease are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the discovery of several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and/or mutations in the Alpha-2-Macroglobulin gene (A2M), which are risk factors for Alzheimer's Disease (AD). More specifically, aspects of the invention concern nucleic acids corresponding to the A2M gene or fragments thereof, which contain one or more of the SNPs and/or mutations described herein, peptides or proteins encoded by said nucleic acids, antibodies to said peptides or proteins and methods of making said compositions, diagnostic methods, methods of data analysis, and pharmaceutical discovery and preparation methods.

Abstract: Probes, primers and kits for detection of polymorphisms in genes involved in neurodegenerative disease are provided. Methods based on detecting such polymorphisms for prognosticating, determining the occurrence, profiling drug response and drug discovery are also provided.

Abstract: Genetic markers associated with Alzheimer's disease are provided. Also provided are methods of determining the presence or absence in a subject of one or more polymorphisms associated with Alzheimer's disease and methods of determining the level of risk for Alzheimer's disease in a subject. Further provided are nucleic acid compositions and kits for use in determining the presence or absence in a subject of one or more polymorphisms associated with Alzheimer's disease and kits for determining the level of risk for Alzheimer's disease in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the discovery of several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and/or mutations in the Alpha-2-Macroglobulin gene (A2M), which are risk factors for Alzheimer's Disease (AD). More specifically, aspects of the invention concern nucleic acids corresponding to the A2M gene or fragments thereof, which contain one or more of the SNPs and/or mutations described herein, peptides or proteins encoded by said nucleic acids, antibodies to said peptides or proteins and methods of making said compositions, diagnostic methods, methods of data analysis, and pharmaceutical discovery and preparation methods.