The translation of genetic findings from genome-wide association studies into actionable therapeutics persists as a critical challenge in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research. Here, we present PI4AD, a computational medicine framework that integrates multi-omics data, systems biology, and artificial neural networks for therapeutic discovery. This framework leverages multi-omic and network evidence to deliver three core functionalities: clinical target prioritisation; self-organising prioritisation map construction, distinguishing AD-specific targets from those linked to neuropsychiatric disorders; and pathway crosstalk-informed therapeutic discovery. PI4AD successfully recovers clinically validated targets like APP and ESR1, confirming its prioritisation efficacy. Its artificial neural network component identifies disease-specific molecular signatures, while pathway crosstalk analysis reveals critical nodal genes (e.g., HRAS and MAPK1), drug repurposing candidates, and clinically relevant network modules. By validating targets, elucidating disease-specific therapeutic potentials, and exploring crosstalk mechanisms, PI4AD bridges genetic insights with pathway-level biology, establishing a systems genetics foundation for rational therapeutic development. Importantly, its emphasis on Ras-centred pathways—implicated in synaptic dysfunction and neuroinflammation—provides a strategy to disrupt AD progression, complementing conventional amyloid/tau-focused paradigms, with the future potential to redefine treatment strategies in conjunction with mRNA therapeutics and thereby advance translational medicine in neurodegeneration. The PI4AD portal is accessible at http://www.genetictargets.com/PI4AD.
Journal article
Acta pharmaceutica sinica b
Elsevier
01/07/2025
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, 32 Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Bioengineering, Dementia, Neurosciences, Acquired Cognitive Impairment, Biotechnology, Alzheimer's Disease including Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias (AD/ADRD), Networking and Information Technology R&D (NITRD), Neurodegenerative, 5.1 Pharmaceuticals, 3 Good Health and Well Being, Precision Medicine, Alzheimer's Disease, 2.1 Biological and endogenous factors, Brain Disorders, Aging, Genetics, Neurological, 3214 Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Human Genome