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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.
Abstract:
Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a major risk factor for Alzheimer disease (AD), which is the most common cause of progressive dementing illness. ApoE has been postulated to be synthesized by astrocytes and taken up by microglia and neuronal cells. However, it remains unknown whether apoE is also produced by microglia in the brain. We analyzed apoE mRNA expression of microglia using a rat primary culture system. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis revealed expression of apoE mRNA in cultured rat microglia. By RT-in situ-PCR, microglia showed positive staining for the PCR product of apoE mRNA. These results indicated that apoE was biosynthesized in rat microglia. We suggest that microglia might be one of the sources of apoE in the brain, and that apoE synthesized in microglia might be closely related to the pathogenesis of AD.
Insights
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.