How longevity gene APOE2 protects the brain?
Apolipoprotein E2 (APOE2) allele is associated with reduced AD risk and increased longevity but mechanism is not well understood.
The researchers show that APOE2 strengthens the blood–brain barrier by enhancing pericyte function.
They also observed reduced phospholipids, increased triglycerides in APOE2 pericytes and lower lipid droplet (LD) accumulation. Interestingly, recombinant APOE2 treatment effectively rescued pericyte function and mitigated LD accumulation in APOE3 and APOE4 pericytes.
In APOE2 knock-in mice and human cell models, APOE2 improved barrier integrity, revealing a potential mechanism behind its protective effects in AD.
https://academic.oup.com/brain/advance-article/doi/10.1093/brain/awag311/8796196
