A recent study has shed light on the potential link between African ancestry genes and the increased risk of certain brain disorders among Black Americans. The research, conducted by scientists in Baltimore, analyzed the postmortem brains of 151 individuals who identified as Black or African American.
By examining the influence of African and European genetic ancestries on these individuals, the study revealed intriguing findings. Genes associated with African ancestry were found to impact specific brain cells in a manner that could elevate the risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and stroke.
Conversely, genes linked to European ancestry were observed to affect different brain cells, potentially increasing the susceptibility to Parkinson’s disease, a disorder less prevalent in the Black American population.
While investigating whether genetic ancestry played a role in neurons, crucial for functions like memory and movement, the researchers did not find any direct influence. This suggests that societal factors like economic stress, exposure to trauma, and racial bias in diagnosis may contribute to the heightened risk of certain psychiatric disorders among Black Americans.
The study, published in Nature Neuroscience, marks a significant step towards understanding and addressing the disparities in neurological disorders associated with different genetic ancestries. Dr. Kafui Dzirasa, a psychiatry professor at Duke University and an advisor to the study, emphasized the importance of mitigating the increased risk associated with diverse ancestries.
Notably, Black Americans have been underrepresented in genomic studies focusing on neurological disorders, leading to gaps in knowledge regarding the impact of African ancestry on disease risk and treatment response. To bridge this gap, the African Ancestry Neuroscience Research Initiative was established in 2019 through a collaborative effort involving community leaders, research institutions, and academic organizations.
Overcoming the challenge of earning the trust of Baltimore’s Black residents was a key early objective for the initiative. This involved engaging with influential African American figures such as educators, business leaders, and church officials, including the Rev. Alvin Hathaway, Sr., who played a pivotal role in fostering community participation in the research initiative.
