Age-Dependent Effects of apoE Reduction Using Antisense Oligonucleotides in a Model of ?-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 A? 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-?4 or APOE-?3 allele. ASO treatment starting after birth led to a significant decrease in A? pathology when assessed at 4 months. Interestingly, ASO treatment starting at the onset of amyloid deposition led to an increase in A? 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 A? pathology while lowering apoE after A? seeding modulates plaque size and toxicity.

SUBMITTER: Huynh TV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5728673 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature