PSMA3 and Hypertension: Recent genome-wide association studies have identified novel genetic risk factors for VaD, including loci such as SPRY2 (Sprouty RTK signaling antagonist 2), FOXA2 (Forkhead Box A2), AJAP1 (Adherens junction-associated protein 1), and PSMA3 (Proteasome 20S subunit alpha 3), which are linked to hypertension, diabetes, and neuronal maintenance [47].