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

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3><p>Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has a strong genetic component, with <em>APOE</em> 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 <em>APOE</em> 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.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>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/<em>APOE</em> ε4, ABI3^S209F/<em>APOE</em> 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.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>ABI3^S209F was significantly associated with increased risk of AD (OR = 1.22, <em>p</em> = 0.0012) and neurodegenerative disorders (OR = 1.21, <em>p</em> = 0.00023), but not with dementia (OR = 1.10, <em>p</em> = 0.06). Survival analyses indicated that ABI3^S209F carriers developed AD at an earlier age than non-carriers with the same <em>APOE</em> genotype. The carriers of ABI3^S209F and <em>APOE</em> ε4 had higher brain Aβ burden when compared to the ABI3^S209F carriers without <em>APOE</em> ε4 (SUVR 2.0 (0.7) vs. 1.67 (0.5); mean (sd), <em>p</em> = 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), <em>p</em> = 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.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>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.</p>