# Molecular Basis of Synaptic Suppression by ApoE

> **NIH NIH R01** · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · 2020 · $405,000

## Abstract

   
DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease marked by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Overexpression or mutations of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene create soluble amyloid-beta (Aβ) oligomers, which are the toxic particles that alter synaptic plasticity y decreasing long-term potentiation (LTP, a paradigm for learning and memory) and enhancing long-term depression (LTD, a paradigm for forgetfulness). This suggests that the synaptic dysfunction found early in AD is Aβ-driven. Interestingly, the most important genetic risk factor n the pathogenesis of AD is Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) ε4 genotype. Carriers of the ε4 allele of ApoE (ApoE4) are at increased risk for AD compared with those carrying the more common ε3 allele (ApoE3), whereas the ε2 (ApoE2) allele decreases the risk. One mechanism by which ApoE4 promotes AD involves a propensity for impaired clearance and increased aggregation of β-amyloid; however, that alone may not fully explain the origins of the synaptic dysfunction, which begins long before the amyloid plaques become prominent indicators of blooming AD. Work from our laboratory has revealed how ApoE4 dampens postsynaptic efficacy by impairing Reelin signaling and vesicular trafficking of ApoE and glutamate receptors. Reelin, a ligand for the ApoE receptors Apoer2 and Vldlr, physiologically strengthens the synapse and counteracts Aβ-induced synaptic suppression by promoting the phosphorylation, and thus reducing the endocytosis, of glutamate receptors. ApoE4 impairs ApoE receptor recycling along with the associated glutamate receptors, thereby diminishing synaptic strength. Aβ oligomers cause endocytosis of AMPA receptors and synaptic suppression at least in part through Class 1 mGluR-dependent LTD-inducing mechanisms. Aβ oligomers and the drug DHPG (Dihydroxyphenylglycine) activate mGluRs and increase the tyrosine phosphatase activity of striatal-enriched tyrosine phosphatase (STEP), which dephosphorylates and thereby induces AMPA and NMDA receptor endocytosis. By contrast, Reelin activates Src Family kinases (SFKs), which phosphorylate ionotropic glutamate receptors and block their endocytosis. What remains unclear is how Reelin, ApoE isoforms and ApoE receptors interact with the LTD-inducing postsynaptic machinery to balance synaptic strength through local protein synthesis and in particular GluA1-4 and STEP expression. In this proposal we will investigate whether Reelin alters mGluR- LTD, and whether reduction of Reelin signaling by the AD-promoting ApoE4 isoform enhances mGluR-LTD and the expression of Ca2+-permeable, excitotoxicity-promoting GluA2-lacking AMPAR during aging. Our specific aims will address the roles of Reelin and ApoE isoforms on 1) regulation of mGluR-LTD and AMPA receptor trafficking, 2) induction of LTD and postsynaptic protein translation of FMRP (Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein), Arc and STEPa, and...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9840944
- **Project number:** 5R01NS093382-05
- **Recipient organization:** UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Joachim J Herz
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $405,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-01-15 → 2021-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9840944

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9840944, Molecular Basis of Synaptic Suppression by ApoE (5R01NS093382-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9840944. Licensed CC0.

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