Apolipoproteins in Animal Models of Cardiovascular Disease

Caroline Horizny Mitchell, PhD
Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019
Apolipoproteins in Animal Models of Cardiovascular Disease Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a term that encompasses multiple heart and blood-vessel-related maladies. The CDC reports that it is the leading cause of death amongst both men and women in the US each year, with roughly 800,000 deaths estimated by the American Heart Association in 2018.

Review of lipoproteins

Lipoproteins are lipid-protein complexes that contain a hydrophilic outer shell and an inner hydrophobic core. Both low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) are measures of cholesterol in the blood because these proteins transport fat, triglycerides, and cholesterol through the body.

These complex molecules have a "shell" composed of cholesterol, phospholipids, and apolipoproteins, and a core with the transport material: cholesterol esters and triglycerides (see Figure 1).

Lipoprotein section
Figure 1: Source Mabtech
While LDL, HDL, and (sometimes) VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) are the only classes mentioned in regards to diagnostic tests, there are four other classes of lipoproteins that differ in size, lipid composition, and apolipoproteins. They are chylomicrons, chylomicron remnants, IDL (intermediate density lipoprotein), and Lp(a). All of these particles, with the exception of HDL, are pro-atherogenic and thereby promote the development of CVD1.

What are Apolipoproteins?

Apolipoproteins are protein-lipid complexes that bind oil-soluble substances such as fat and cholesterol. Due to their amphipathic structure they can encapsulate fat-soluble vitamins and lipids and transport them through water-based fluids like the blood, lymph, and cerebral spinal fluid. They are integral parts of the outer shell of lipoproteins.

They have four main functions:

  1. Serving as structural assists in the shell of lipoproteins
  2. Aiding in the formation of lipoproteins
  3. Serving as ligands for lipoprotein receptors
  4. Functioning as cofactors for enzymes involved in lipids metabolism1,2

Apolipoprotein E in CVD

While this Insight will be discussing the role of ApoE in CVD, this protein also plays an important role in Alzheimer's disease as it is the principal transporter of cholesterol in the brain.

The gene encoding ApoE is polymorphic — meaning it has multiple alleles — which translates to three protein isoforms: E2, E3, and E4. These isoforms are present in drastically different percentages in the human body, and all have different functions.

  1. ApoE2 — Allelic frequency of 5 — 10%3 — Lipoproteins with ApoE2 on their surface exist in serum longer due to the poor binding affinity between ApoE2 and lipoprotein cell surface receptors, thereby increasing risk of atheorsclerosis4.
  2. ApoE3 — Allelic frequency of 65 — 70%3 — ApoE3 is the most prevalent and most neutral form of this protein — it is neither pro- nor anti-atherogenic.
  3. ApoE4 — Allelic frequency of 15 — 20%3 — has been implicated in atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease, and contributes to increased serum cholesterol levels and the development of CVD5,6.

Apolipoprotein B in CVD

Of the two forms of Apolipoprotein B — Apo B-48 and Apo B-100 — Apo B‐100 is more relevant in CVD studies. This particle is synthesized in the liver and is present in one copy on the surface of LDL, IDL, VLDL, and Lp(a) particles.

Apo B-100 is essential for binding events between LDL receptors and LDL particles, thereby enabling the internalization of LDL into cells and uptake of cholesterol7,8. Since Apo B-100 is present in one copy per lipoprotein it is, therefore, a direct measure of the number of pro-atherogenic lipoproteins in the blood, and may present a better metric for measuring cholesterol levels9-11.

Animal Models of Cardiovascular Disease

Many research needs can be addressed by animal models that either over- or under-express apolipoproteins. These are some animal models that have human versions of the ApoE and Apo B proteins that can be used to study cardiovascular disease:

Mouse ModelTaconic Model #Roles in Cardiovascular Disease
Apoe mouseAPOELacks the ApoE protein, results in five times normal serum plasma cholesterol and spontaneous atherosclerotic lesions
APOE2 mouse1547Expresses human ApoE2, develops hyperlipoproteinemia with elevated plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels, decreased clearance of VLDL particles, and spontaneous atherosclerotic plaques
APOE3 mouse1548Expresses human ApoE3, exhibits an increased risk of atherosclerosis and hypercholesterolemia
APOE4 mouse1549Expresses human ApoE4, exhibits an increased risk of atherosclerosis, and more severe symptoms than the Apo-E3 mouse
ApoB1001004Expresses human Apo B-100, shows elevated serum levels of LDL cholesterol, develops atherosclerosis or a HF/HC diet
CETP-ApoB1003716Expresses both human cholesteryl ester transfer protein and human Apolipoprotein B transgenes, exhibits human-like serum HDL/LDL distribution. Develops complex atherosclerotic lesions under a HF/HC diet
taconic biosciences webinars Watch the Taconic Biosciences' Webinars:
References:
1. Feingold, K. R. & Grunfeld, C. Introduction to Lipids and Lipoproteins. (2018).
2. Mahley, R. W., Innerarity, T. L., Rall, S. C. & Weisgraber, K. H. Plasma lipoproteins: apolipoprotein structure and function. J. Lipid Res. 25, 1277-94 (1984).
3. Mahley, R. W. Apolipoprotein E: from cardiovascular disease to neurodegenerative disorders. J. Mol. Med. 94, 739-746 (2016).
4. Wilson, C. et al. Salt bridge relay triggers defective LDL receptor binding by a mutant apolipoprotein. Structure 2, 713-8 (1994).
5. van Bockxmeer, F. M. & Mamotte, C. D. Apolipoprotein epsilon 4 homozygosity in young men with coronary heart disease. Lancet (London, England) 340, 879-80 (1992).
6. Smith, J. D. Apolipoprotein E4: an allele associated with many diseases. Ann. Med. 32, 118-27 (2000).
7. Young, S. G. & Parthasarathy, S. Why are low-density lipoproteins atherogenic? West. J. Med. 160, 153-64 (1994).
8. Young, S. G. Recent progress in understanding apolipoprotein B. Circulation 82, 1574-1594 (1990).
9. Sniderman, A., Vu, H. & Cianflone, K. Effect of moderate hypertriglyceridemia on the relation of plasma total and LDL apo B levels. Atherosclerosis 89, 109-16 (1991).
10. Contois, J. H. et al. Apolipoprotein B and cardiovascular disease risk: Position statement from the AACC lipoproteins and vascular diseases division working group on best practices. Clin. Chem. 55, 407-419 (2009).
11. Walldius, G. & Jungner, I. Apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein A-I: risk indicators of coronary heart disease and targets for lipid-modifying therapy. J. Intern. Med. 255, 188-205 (2004).

We’re Here to Help

Experience & Expertise You Can Trust

Taconic Biosciences' model generation team has produced about 5,000 models in the last 15 years, developing a globally-recognized reputation for advancing the work of in vivo researchers. Our scientific program managers are here to help you navigate the complexities of model generation.

Request a Consultation
Pricing Guide