Apolipoprotein E decreases tau kinases and phospho-tau levels in primary neurons
2006

Apolipoprotein E Reduces Tau Kinases and Phosphorylated Tau Levels in Neurons

Sample size: 4 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hoe Hyang-Sook, Freeman Jacob, Rebeck G William

Primary Institution: Georgetown University

Hypothesis

Does apoE treatment of neurons affect the phosphorylation of tau and its associated kinases?

Conclusion

ApoE treatment decreases tau kinases and phosphorylated tau levels in primary neurons, potentially influencing tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease.

Supporting Evidence

  • ApoE treatment significantly decreased levels of phosphorylated GSK 3β, P35, and CDK5.
  • ApoE peptide treatment resulted in a 70-90% decrease in phospho-tau proteins.
  • Treatment with 2 uM apoE increased levels of unphosphorylated tau by 115%.
  • Effects of apoE on tau phosphorylation were blocked by an inhibitor of LDL receptors.

Takeaway

Apolipoprotein E helps keep a protein called tau from getting too sticky in brain cells, which is important for preventing Alzheimer's disease.

Methodology

Primary neurons were treated with apoE and analyzed for levels of tau kinases and phosphorylated tau using immunoblotting.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on in vitro results, which may not fully represent in vivo conditions.

Participant Demographics

Primary mouse embryonic cortical neurons from E16 Swiss-Webster mice.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1750-1326-1-18

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