APOLIPOPROTEIN-E - BINDING TO SOLUBLE ALZHEIMERS BETA-AMYLOID

Apolipoprotein E (apo E) is associated with Alzheimer′s β-amyloid (Aβ) in senile plaques. Aβ is now known to be a normal soluble peptide (sAβ) found in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and other biological fluids. We have used synthetic Aβ peptides bound to affinity membranes in order to determine whether apo E or any other amyloid associated protein will bind to these membranes, when they are bathed in CSF. Under these conditions apo E, as well as another apolipoprotein, apolipoprotein J (Apo J), bound to the membranes. Using ELISA and ligand binding studies, we found a high avidity binding of Aβ peptides to apo E. This suggests that apo E, as well as other related proteins may bind not only amyloid Aβ but also sAβ. This interaction may be critical in amyloid formation. © 1993 Academic Press. All rights reserved.