ApoE4 Glia Bungle Lipid Processing, Mess with the Matrisome
The phenotype of ApoE4 astrocytes and microglia resembles that of these cells in Alzheimer’s brain. Could defects in lipid metabolism and the extracellular matrix bring on the disease?
NEWS
Paper Alert: MS4A Variants May Sway Alzheimer’s Risk Via TREM2
Different polymorphisms in MS4A genes up- or downregulate levels of TREM2, modulating levels of the shed ectodomain in the cerebrospinal fluid and AD risk.
Geneticists Seek Out Rare Contributors to Alzheimer’s
New genes linked to early and late-onset AD offer up mechanistic insight, potential targets for treatment.
Triple Threat: Tau, Atrophy, and Arteriolosclerosis Push CTE Toward Dementia
Among former National Football League players who died with CTE, tau tangles, crumbling white matter, and arteriolosclerosis independently contributed to dementia.
AD Genetic Risk Tied to Changes in Microglial Gene Expression
Functional variants of AD GWAS hits found in enhancers of myeloid genes.
Aβ Dimers Block Glutamate Uptake, Fire Up Synapses
New evidence suggests the dimers impede clearance of glutamate from synapses, contributing to the hyperexcitability seen early in Alzheimer’s disease.
Rare Luck: Two Copies of ApoE2 Shield Against Alzheimer’s
ApoE2 homozygotes have a dramatically lower risk of AD than even the previously known low-risk E2/3 heterozygotes. More study of this protective allele could reveal roots of resilience.
Colombian Cohort Delivers Data on Blood NfL
In 2,144 Colombian ADAD family members, plasma NfL in gene carriers rises as early as two decades before their symptoms start.
Virtual Exhibit Hall
Alzforum encourages users to visit the Virtual Exhibit Hall, where companies showcase their newest initiatives, products, and services. We welcome F. Hoffmann-La Roche, joining our other exhibitors — Biogen, BioLegend, Dash Genomics, Inc., Abcam, BrainXell, and the Jackson Laboratory.
SPOTLIGHT
ApoE4 Glia Bungle Lipid Processing, Mess with the Matrisome
When studying ApoE4, most studies have looked at what it does to neurons. Now, new research suggests this major Alzheimer’s risk allele may work much of its mischief in glial cells. Human ApoE4/4 astrocytes and microglia hoard lipids while bulking up on extracellular matrix proteins and spewing out inflammatory cytokines. Lo and behold, this resembles the behavior of astrocytes and microglia in AD brain, regardless of which ApoE genotype the person had. Does this mean ApoE4 tilts the brain toward Alzheimer’s through effects on glia?
DIAD Family Conference: News on Genetics, Trials, Prevention
On July 13, the day before the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, started in Los Angeles, 263 DIAN participants and their partners met in the same location with scientists, clinicians, research funders and representatives of the association for a pre-meeting. They celebrated a shared commitment to use the scientific opportunities inherent in dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s disease toward a better understanding and clinical trials to prevent the disease. Gabrielle Strobel reports on the resilience of DIAN participants, progress in AD genetics, a first look at emerging RNA-based therapies, and an update on DIAN clinical trials.
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