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Uncovering The Role Of Apoe4 On Alzheimer’S Disease-Related Neuroinflammation, Courtney Marie Kloske

Theses and Dissertations--Physiology

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease and is characterized by two hallmark pathologies: amyloid-beta plaques (Ab plaques) and hyperphosphorylated, aggregated tau tangles. These pathologies are typically accompanied by the presence of neuroinflammation which is primarily mediated by microglia. Interestingly, several genetic risk factors that increase the risk of AD also have direct impacts on neuroinflammation. Of interest, Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is the largest genetic risk factor for AD. ApoE has three isoforms- E4 confers an increased risk for AD, E3 is considered the “control” phenotype, and E2 is protective against AD. E4 plays a role in virtually …