Genomic research

CONGAS – Caribbean Omics ’N’ Genomics for Alzheimer Study

Characterising Alzheimer’s disease in genetically admixed populations using integrated multi-omics data.

An international project to understand Alzheimer’s in diverse populations

The CONGAS project (Caribbean Omics ’N’ Genomics for Alzheimer Study) is a large-scale scientific initiative aimed at filling a critical gap in Alzheimer’s disease research: the lack of genetic, biomarker, and clinical data from Caribbean, Latin American, and other highly genetically admixed populations. As stated in the official document, the study is supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and is part of the ADSP FUS 2.0 – The Diverse Population Initiative, which promotes the inclusion of historically underrepresented populations in genomic research.

General objective of the project

The main objective of CONGAS is to generate, harmonize, and analyze genetic, omics, and clinical data from thousands of participants of Caribbean, Latin American, and European ancestry, with the aim of identifying:

  • Genetic variants associated with Alzheimer’s risk.

  • Differences in plasma biomarkers according to ancestry.

  • New biological mechanisms explaining variability in disease progression.

  • Population-specific risk factors in admixed groups.

A five-year structured project

The project is implemented through a five-year work plan with clearly defined milestones:

Year 1 – Sample collection and processing

  • Receipt of 2,500 samples from the Caribbean and Central America and 1,000 samples from Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona (Spain).

  • DNA extraction and normalization for GWAS and WGS.

  • Plasma preparation for biomarker and omics data.

“Receiving all samples with proper manifest.”
“DNA extraction and normalization… needed to perform genetic analysis.”

Year 2 – Data generation

  • Large-scale sequencing and data transfer to NIAGADS/GCAD.

  • Quality control and variant annotation.

  • Generation of NULISA and Somalogic biomarker data.

Year 3 – Cohort expansion and ancestry analysis

  • Receipt of 1,500 additional samples.

  • Global and local ancestry inference (ADMIXTURE, RFMIX).

  • Analysis of biomarker trajectories in admixed populations.

Year 4 – Advanced genetic analysis

  • Rare variant association with Alzheimer’s (SKAT-O).

  • QTL mapping integrating omics data and ancestry.

  • Study of proteomic differences according to ancestral origin.

Year 5 – Validation and therapeutic target discovery

  • Functional annotation of candidate genes.

  • Mendelian Randomization and TWAS to identify causal proteins.

  • Development of new biomarkers and AI-based predictive models.

Scientific and social impact

CONGAS represents a decisive step toward more inclusive, precise, and representative Alzheimer’s research. Caribbean and Latin American populations present high levels of genetic admixture, which may reveal variants and mechanisms not observed in traditional European cohorts. Additionally, the project will contribute to:

  • Improving early detection in diverse populations.

  • Developing biomarkers adapted to specific genetic profiles.

  • Reducing inequalities in research and healthcare.

  • Facilitating open access to harmonized data for the entire scientific community.