Work

Apolipoprotein E knock-out and knock-in mice: atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, and beyond

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: Given the multiple differences between mice and men, it was once thought that mice could not be used to model atherosclerosis, principally a human disease. Apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoEKO) mice have convincingly changed this view, and the ability to model human-like plaques in these mice has provided scientists a platform to study multiple facets of atherogenesis and to explore potential therapeutic interventions. In addition to its well-established role in lipoprotein metabolism, recent observations of reduced adiposity and improved glucose homeostasis in apoEKO mice suggest that apoE may also play a key role in energy metabolism in peripheral organs, including adipose tissue. Finally, along with apoEKO mice, knockin mice expressing human apoE isoforms in place of endogenous mouse apoE have provided insights into how quantitative and qualitative genetic alterations interact with the environment in the pathogenesis of complex human diseases.

Source: Journal of Lipid Research

DOI: 10.1194/jlr.r800070-jlr200

Authors: Avani A. Pendse, Jose M. Arbones-Mainar, Lance A. Johnson, Michael K. Altenburg, Nobuyo Maeda

Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Language: English

Topic: Cholesterol and Lipid Metabolism

Subfield: Biochemistry

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,430