The Human ApoE4 Variant Reduces Functional Recovery and Neuronal Sprouting After Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury in Male Mice

This study investigates how different versions of the ApoE gene (ApoE3 and ApoE4) affect recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) in mice. Mice with the ApoE4 gene showed worse motor function and coordination after SCI compared to those with ApoE3. The researchers found that ApoE4 mice had more glial cell activity and less nerve fiber sprouting in the injured area. This suggests that ApoE4 may hinder the nervous system's ability to repair itself after SCI. The study also looked at gene activity in the spinal cord after SCI. They discovered that ApoE4 mice had increased activity in genes related to inflammation, while ApoE3 mice had increased activity in genes related to nerve cell development.

• 1
  ApoE4 mice showed worse locomotor function and coordination after SCI compared to ApoE3 mice, as measured by the Basso Mouse Scale (BMS) and ladder rung walk test (LRWT).
• 2
  Histological examination revealed greater glial staining (GFAP and IBA-1) in ApoE4 mice after SCI, indicating increased glial activation and inflammatory responses compared to ApoE3 mice.
• 3
  RNA sequencing showed upregulation of genes related to extracellular matrix organization and inflammatory responses in ApoE4 mice at 7 days after SCI, while genes related to neuronal action potential and neuron projection development were increased in ApoE3 mice at 21 days.