Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has a strong genetic component, with APOE ε4 being the most established risk factor through its effects on beta-amyloid (Aβ) metabolism and microglial function. Recent genetic studies have also implicated microglial genes, such as the ABI3S209F variant, to increased AD risk. As APOE ε4 and ABI3S209F influence microglial pathways through distinct mechanisms, their combined analysis may provide novel insights into AD pathophysiology. Therefore, we investigated ABI3S209F in the Finnish FinnGen cohort and in an imaging study of cognitively healthy older adults. Methods We used FinnGen R12 data (> 500,000 individuals), including 8,490 ABI3S209F carriers and 511,670 non-carriers, with survival analyses matched by sex and birth year. Disease endpoints (AD, dementia, neurodegenerative disorder) were defined from national health registries using harmonized ICD codes, medication, and reimbursement records. For the imaging study, 58 participants aged ≥ 50 years were recruited into three genotype-based groups (ABI3S209F/APOE ε4, ABI3S209F/APOE ε3, non-carriers). All imaging participants underwent structural MRI, [11C]PiB PET for amyloid beta, [11C]PK11195 PET for microglial activity, and a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Results ABI3S209F was significantly associated with increased risk of AD (OR = 1.22, p = 0.0012) and neurodegenerative disorders (OR = 1.21, p = 0.00023), but not with dementia (OR = 1.10, p = 0.06). Survival analyses indicated that ABI3S209F carriers developed AD at an earlier age than non-carriers with the same APOE genotype. The carriers of ABI3S209F and APOE ε4 had higher brain Aβ burden when compared to the ABI3S209F carriers without APOE ε4 (SUVR 2.0 (0.7) vs. 1.67 (0.5); mean (sd), p = 0.017), but there was no difference in Aβ between the ABI3S209F carriers and controls (1.67 (0.5) vs 1.75 (0.6), p = 0.75 (HST)). ABI3S209F was not associated with global neuroinflammation, although subtle regional increases in [11C]PK11195 binding were observed in ABI3S209F ε4 carriers. No differences were found in brain volumes or cognition. Conclusions ABI3S209F increases AD risk and is associated with earlier disease onset. The variant alone does not significantly influence cortical Aβ deposition, neuroinflammation, or brain structure. Its effect may be pronounced in combination with APOEε4.

Genetic validation of ABI3 p.Ser209Phe variant and its effects on early brain pathology in asymptomatic elderly individuals

期刊论文
出版模式：

开放获取
发表日期：

2026年2月19日

查看全文

Mikko Koivumäki,
Henna Martiskainen,
Mari Takalo,
Jenni Lehtisalo,
Tiia Ngandu,
Anniina Snellman,
Mikko Hiltunen,
Juha O. Rinne

摘要

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has a strong genetic component, with APOE ε4 being the most established risk factor through its effects on beta-amyloid (Aβ) metabolism and microglial function. Recent genetic studies have also implicated microglial genes, such as the ABI3^S209F variant, to increased AD risk. As APOE ε4 and ABI3^S209F influence microglial pathways through distinct mechanisms, their combined analysis may provide novel insights into AD pathophysiology. Therefore, we investigated ABI3^S209F in the Finnish FinnGen cohort and in an imaging study of cognitively healthy older adults.

Methods

We used FinnGen R12 data (> 500,000 individuals), including 8,490 ABI3^S209F carriers and 511,670 non-carriers, with survival analyses matched by sex and birth year. Disease endpoints (AD, dementia, neurodegenerative disorder) were defined from national health registries using harmonized ICD codes, medication, and reimbursement records. For the imaging study, 58 participants aged ≥ 50 years were recruited into three genotype-based groups (ABI3^S209F/APOE ε4, ABI3^S209F/APOE ε3, non-carriers). All imaging participants underwent structural MRI, [¹¹C]PiB PET for amyloid beta, [¹¹C]PK11195 PET for microglial activity, and a comprehensive neuropsychological battery.

Results

ABI3^S209F was significantly associated with increased risk of AD (OR = 1.22, p = 0.0012) and neurodegenerative disorders (OR = 1.21, p = 0.00023), but not with dementia (OR = 1.10, p = 0.06). Survival analyses indicated that ABI3^S209F carriers developed AD at an earlier age than non-carriers with the same APOE genotype. The carriers of ABI3^S209F and APOE ε4 had higher brain Aβ burden when compared to the ABI3^S209F carriers without APOE ε4 (SUVR 2.0 (0.7) vs. 1.67 (0.5); mean (sd), p = 0.017), but there was no difference in Aβ between the ABI3^S209F carriers and controls (1.67 (0.5) vs 1.75 (0.6), p = 0.75 (HST)). ABI3^S209F was not associated with global neuroinflammation, although subtle regional increases in [¹¹C]PK11195 binding were observed in ABI3^S209F ε4 carriers. No differences were found in brain volumes or cognition.

Conclusions

ABI3^S209F increases AD risk and is associated with earlier disease onset. The variant alone does not significantly influence cortical Aβ deposition, neuroinflammation, or brain structure. Its effect may be pronounced in combination with APOEε4.