Longevity Gene APOE2 Helps Brain Vessel Cells in Lab Tests
Graded Preliminary — experiments in mice and in cells grown from human stem cells; whether the findings carry over to living people has not been tested.
Cell, tissue or computational study. Not evidence about people yet, which is why the grade is capped at Preliminary.
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- Lab study
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In the lab, brain vessel cells carrying APOE2 sealed the blood-brain barrier better and stored less fat.
People who carry a gene variant called APOE2 get Alzheimer's less often and more often live to a very old age. Why remains unclear. Experiments in mice and lab-grown cells now point to one possible piece of the puzzle. The focus is on pericytes, cells that wrap around the tiny blood vessels in the brain. They help seal the blood-brain barrier, the protective border between blood and brain.
The team first studied mice carrying human versions of the APOE gene. Mice with APOE2 showed more signs of pericytes and a tighter barrier. The researchers then grew pericytes from human stem cells that differed only in their APOE variant. In a lab model of the barrier, the APOE2 cells kept it sealed better. They resisted cell aging more and built up less amyloid-beta, a protein that collects in the brain in Alzheimer's. They also held fewer fat droplets. When cells with other variants were given the APOE2 protein, they worked better and stored less fat.
The results suggest APOE2 helps these cells break down and move fats. Whether this protects people from Alzheimer's was not tested: the work rests on mice and cells in a dish.
Disclaimer: Research summaries are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.