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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Assaying β-amyloid Toxicity using a Transgenic C. elegans Model
Published on: October 9, 2010
Apolipoprotein E allele-specific antioxidant activity and effects on cytotoxicity by oxidative insults and
1Laboratory of Biochemical Genetics and Metabolism, Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10021, USA.
Abstract:
The apolipoprotein E (APOE) E4 allele is associated with Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, and decreased longevity. To probe the mechanism of these associations, cell lines were created which secrete each apoE isoform. ApoE conditioned media, purified apoE, and commercially obtained apoE protected B12 cells from hydrogen peroxide cytotoxicity with E2 > E3 > E4. Physiological levels of apoE protected cells from beta-amyloid peptides, while higher doses of apoE led to increased cytotoxicity. E2 > E3 > E4 possessed antioxidant activity, and apoE bound certain metal ions. The decreased antioxidant activity of E4 could contribute to its association with Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease and decreased longevity.
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