Neuronal cell apoptosis by a receptor-binding domain peptide of ApoE4, not through low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein

Since an apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) peptide composed of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-related protein (LRP)-binding domain [ApoE4(141-149)(2) or ApoE(141-155)(2)] exerts neurotoxicity in primary neurons and neuronal cell lines, it has been controversial whether these effects are mediated by LRP. Here, we examined whether ApoE4(141-149)(2)-induced toxicity is mediated by LRP in a neuronal cell system where ApoE4 toxicity is mediated by LRP: serum-deprived F11 neuronal cells. In these cells, where ApoE4 exerted toxicity by apoptosis in a manner sensitive to both caspase inhibitors and pertussis toxin (PTX), ApoE4(141-149)(2) also caused cell death by apoptosis but in a caspase-inhibitor-resistant, PTX-resistant manner. ApoE4(141-149)(2)-induced death was not inhibited by antisense oligonucleotides to LRP. Therefore, we conclude that ApoE4(141-149)(2) is able to exert neurotoxicity without involving LRP.