biostudies-literatureUnknown17(1)Milligan Armstrong AYulgilbar Foundation<h4>Introduction</h4>Melanopsin is a photopigment with roles in mediating sleep and circadian-related processes, which are often disrupted in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Melanopsin also impacts cognition and synaptogenesis. This study investigated the associations between melanopsin genetic variants, sleep, and markers of brain health.<h4>Methods</h4>Linear regression analyses examined the relationship of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the melanopsin gene (<i>OPN4</i>), with cortical amyloid beta (Aβ), cognition, brain volumes, and self-reported sleep traits in cognitively unimpaired older adults. Further analyses assessed whether sleep traits x <i>OPN4</i> SNP interactions were associated with markers of brain health.<h4>Results</h4><i>OPN4</i> SNPs rs2355009 and rs3740334 weAlzheimer's & dementia (Amsterdam, Netherlands)e70056https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11736627biostudies-literatureExploring the relationship between melanopsin gene variants, sleep, and markers of brain health.PMC11736627Bourgeat PRowe CCAIBL Research GroupRainey-Smith SRMaruff PO'Brien ELaws SMVillemagne VLMilligan Armstrong APorter TDore VfalseExploring the relationship between melanopsin gene variants, sleep, and markers of brain health.<h4>Introduction</h4>Melanopsin is a photopigment with roles in mediating sleep and circadian-related processes, which are often disrupted in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Melanopsin also impacts cognition and synaptogenesis. This study investigated the associations between melanopsin genetic variants, sleep, and markers of brain health.<h4>Methods</h4>Linear regression analyses examined the relationship of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the melanopsin gene (<i>OPN4</i>), with cortical amyloid beta (Aβ), cognition, brain volumes, and self-reported sleep traits in cognitively unimpaired older adults. Further analyses assessed whether sleep traits x <i>OPN4</i> SNP interactions were associated with markers of brain health.<h4>Results</h4><i>OPN4</i> SNPs rs2355009 and rs3740334 we2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Jan-Mar2026-06-01T13:03:37.426Z2026-04-08T12:53:44.981ZS-EPMC117366273982229210.1002/dad2.70056