Oxysterol-binding protein ORP6 regulates lipid metabolism and brain Aβ production

The mammalian brain is the most cholesterol-rich organ of the body, relying on in situ de novo cholesterol synthesis. Maintaining cholesterol homeostasis is crucial for normal brain function. Oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP)-related proteins (ORPs) are highly conserved cytosolic proteins that coordinate lipid homeostasis by regulating cell signaling, interorganelle membrane contact sites, and non-vesicular transport of cholesterol. Here, we show that ORP6 is highly enriched in the mammalian brain, particularly within neurons and astrocytes, with widespread expression across distinct brain regions, including the hippocampus, which is essential for learning and memory. Whole-body ablation of ORP6 (Osbpl6^-/-) in mice resulted in dysregulation of systemic and brain lipid homeostasis, with elevated levels of brain desmosterol and amyloid-beta oligomers (AβOs). Mechanistically, ORP6 knockdown in astrocytes altered the expression of cholesterol metabolism genes, promoting the accumulation of esterified cholesterol in lipid droplets, reducing cholesterol efflux and plasma membrane cholesterol content, and increasing amyloid-beta precursor protein (APP) processing. Our findings underscore the role of ORP6 in systemic and brain lipid homeostasis, highlighting its importance in maintaining overall brain health.