Joseph Lee, DrPH

Research: Dr. Lee's research effort concentrates in three areas: (1) genetics of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and memory, (2) genetics of aging, and (3) gene-environment interaction in complex traits. For the first area of research, our goal is to localize chromosomal regions that contain genes that influence AD among Caribbean Hispanics from New York and the Dominican Republic. In addition to AD, we have extended the phenotypes to quantitative traits in attempt to localize genes with small to modest effects. To this end, we are studying memory traits and their age-related decline as the phenotype. Because accumulation of amyloid-B in the brain is a hallmark phenotype associated AD and is associated with age-related memory decline, we are currently planing a feasibility study to examine amyloid-B as a risk factor phenotype. If found to be feasible, we will conduct a genome-wide search to localize contributing genes. For the second area of research, we are conducting a study on the genetics of aging using the Hispanic families recruited from northern Manhattan. We will explore the cognitive and functional components contributing to longevity and frailty, and will determine heritability of those components. The intent is to better understand the genetic factors that contribute to healthy aging. The first two areas of research are carried out in collaboration with Drs. Richard Mayeux and James Knowles. For the third area of research, we are conducting a study to assess gene-environmental interactions in complex traits with a goal of mapping genes that contribute to those traits. To this end, we proposed a family-based migrant study to take advantage of the Korean diaspora. Korean migrants are unique in that they are genetically similar because of the recent migration; yet, they are exposed to wide variation in cultural and environmental exposures. For this study, Koreans in the US, Kazakhstan, and Korea will be recruited. This study is carried out in collaboration with Drs. Joseph Terwilliger and Andrey Rzhetsky.

Fellow Participation: Genetics of memoryGenetics of agingGene-environment interaction in complex traits: the Korean Diaspora (when funded).

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