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Role of apoE/Aβ interactions in Alzheimer's disease: insights from transgenic mouse models

Molecular Psychiatry volume 7, pages 132–135 (2002)Cite this article

The ε4 allele of apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The mechanism underlying this increased risk is not completely clear, yet mounting evidence supports the idea that the ability of apoE to interact with the amyloid-β peptide and influence its clearance and conformation plays a major role. Strong evidence to support this concept comes from studies of transgenic models of Alzheimer's disease which have been crossed with both apoE knockout and human apoE transgenic mice.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that results in memory deficits, changes in personality and cognitive decline. AD is the leading cause of dementia in the United States currently affecting approximately five million individuals and is expected to affect more than twenty two million people worldwide by the year 2025. Effective forms of treatment to delay the onset or progression of AD have yet to be developed. Thus, understanding the mechanisms that promote early steps in AD pathogenesis remains an important goal.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by NIH grants AG13956 and AG11355 (DMH) and F32 AG19547 (RPB).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for the Study of Nervous System Injury, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA

    R P Brendza & D M Holtzman

  2. Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA

    R P Brendza & D M Holtzman

  3. Dept of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA

    R P Brendza & D M Holtzman

  4. Neuroscience Discovery Research, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli-Lilly Inc, Indianapolis, IN, USA

    K R Bales & S M Paul

  5. Dept of Molecular Biology and Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA

    D M Holtzman

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  1. R P Brendza
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  2. K R Bales
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  3. S M Paul
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  4. D M Holtzman
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Correspondence to D M Holtzman.

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Brendza, R., Bales, K., Paul, S. et al. Role of apoE/Aβ interactions in Alzheimer's disease: insights from transgenic mouse models. Mol Psychiatry 7, 132–135 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.mp.4001006

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