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Expression of apolipoprotein E mRNA in rat microglia
M Nakai1, T Kawamata, T Taniguchi
1Hyogo Institute for Aging Brain and Cognitive Disorders, Himeji, Japan.
Neuroscience Letters
|June 14, 1996
Summary
Microglia, a type of brain cell, can produce apolipoprotein E (apoE), a known risk factor for Alzheimer disease (AD). This finding suggests microglia may contribute to AD pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a key genetic risk factor for Alzheimer disease (AD).
- ApoE is traditionally thought to be synthesized by astrocytes and utilized by microglia and neurons.
- The potential for microglia to synthesize apoE in the brain has not been established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether microglia can synthesize apolipoprotein E (apoE) in the brain.
- To determine the role of microglia in apoE production within the central nervous system.
Main Methods:
- Primary rat microglia cultures were established.
- Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to detect apoE mRNA expression.
- RT-in situ-PCR was utilized for precise localization of apoE mRNA within microglia.
Main Results:
- Cultured rat microglia demonstrated the expression of apoE mRNA.
- RT-in situ-PCR confirmed the presence of apoE mRNA within microglia cells.
- These findings indicate that microglia are capable of biosynthesizing apoE.
Conclusions:
- Microglia are identified as a potential source of apolipoprotein E (apoE) in the brain.
- The apoE synthesized by microglia may play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD).
- This research opens new avenues for understanding AD mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.