Age-Dependent Effects of apoE Reduction Using Antisense Oligonucleotides in a Model of β-amyloidosis.

Abstract

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is the strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer disease. Previous studies suggest that reduction of apoE levels through genetic manipulation can reduce Aβ pathology. However, it is not clear how reduction of apoE levels after birth would affect amyloid deposition. We utilize an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) to reduce apoE expression in the brains of APP/PS1-21 mice homozygous for the APOE-ε4 or APOE-ε3 allele. ASO treatment starting after birth led to a significant decrease in Aβ pathology when assessed at 4 months. Interestingly, ASO treatment starting at the onset of amyloid deposition led to an increase in Aβ plaque size and a reduction in plaque-associated neuritic dystrophy with no change in overall plaque load. These results suggest that lowering apoE levels prior to plaque deposition can strongly affect the initiation of Aβ pathology while lowering apoE after Aβ seeding modulates plaque size and toxicity.

• Authors: Tien-Phat V Huynh, Fan Liao, Caroline M Francis, Grace O Robinson, Javier Remolina Serrano, Hong Jiang, Joseph Roh, Mary Beth Finn, Patrick M Sullivan, Thomas J Esparza, Floy R Stewart, Thomas E Mahan, Jason D Ulrich, Tracy Cole, David M Holtzman
• Journal: Neuron (Neuron) Vol. 96 Issue 5 Pg. 1013-1023.e4 (Dec 06 2017) ISSN: 1097-4199 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 29216448 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Amyloid beta-Peptides
• Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor
• Apolipoprotein E3
• Apolipoprotein E4
• Apolipoproteins E
• Oligonucleotides, Antisense

Topics

• Aging (physiology)
• Alleles
• Alzheimer Disease (pathology)
• Amyloid beta-Peptides
• Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor (biosynthesis, genetics)
• Amyloidosis (drug therapy, pathology)
• Animals
• Apolipoprotein E3 (genetics)
• Apolipoprotein E4 (genetics)
• Apolipoproteins E (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Humans
• Male
• Mice
• Mice, Transgenic
• Oligonucleotides, Antisense (therapeutic use)
• Plaque, Amyloid (pathology, prevention & control)