Alzheimer's risk gene impairs development of new neurons in mice

Scientists are coming closer to understanding the genetic factors at risk in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.  

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is one of the genes that regulates the continuing generation of neurons in the hippocampus.

A version of this gene - ApoE4 - exists in 10-20% of the population and is linked to the emergence of Alzheimer’s disease in older adults.

Scientists found a reduced complexity of dendrites in adult neurons of mice in whom they had turned off ApoE relative to mice that had not been manipulated.

Scientists indicate that this result may be the reason behind greater risk of diseases involving the hippocampus among those who have the ApoE4 gene variation. Source.

Journal Reference:

Yacine Tensaouti, Elizabeth P. Stephanz, Tzong-Shiue Yu and Steven G. Kernie. ApoE Regulates the Development of Adult Newborn Hippocampal Neurons. eNeuro 30 July 2018, 5 (4) ENEURO.0155-18.2018; DOI:10.1523/ENEURO.0155-18.2018