Fightaging iconFightagingOct 1, 2026 ~1 min source read

APOEОµ2 Pericytes Provide a More Resilient Blood-Brain Barrier

Why is the APOEОµ2 variant of the APOE gene associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and slightly longer life expectancy? Past research has investigated the role of APOE in cholesterol metabolism and inflammation in microglia, the innate immune cells of the brain implicated in neurodegenerative conditions.

APOEОµ2 Pericytes Provide a More Resilient Blood-Brain Barrier
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Why is the APOEОµ2 variant of the APOE gene associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and slightly longer life expectancy?

Past research has investigated the role of APOE in cholesterol metabolism and inflammation in microglia, the innate immune cells of the brain implicated in neurodegenerative conditions.

Here, researchers focus instead on pericytes and their role in maintaining the blood-brain barrier.

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The useful part

Why is the APOEОµ2 variant of the APOE gene associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and slightly longer life expectancy? Past research has investigated the role of APOE in cholesterol metabolism and inflammation in microglia, the innate immune cells of the brain implicated in neurodegenerative conditions. Here, researchers focus instead on pericytes and their role in maintaining the blood-brain barrier.

How it works

  • This leakage of the blood-brain barrier generates inflammation and damage in the brain, and is thought to be an early inciting event in the onset of neurodegenerative conditions.
  • Pericytes are critical for maintaining blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and have emerged as key contributors to Alzheimer's disease (AD) […]

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