Loss-of-function mutation in ABCA1 and risk of Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular disease

Alzheimers Dement. 2015 Dec;11(12):1430-1438. doi: 10.1016/j.jalz.2015.04.006. Epub 2015 Jun 13.

Abstract

Introduction: The adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is a major cholesterol transporter highly expressed in the liver and brain. In the brain, ABCA1 lipidates apolipoprotein E (apoE), facilitates clearance of amyloid-β, and may be involved in maintenance of the blood-brain barrier via apoE-mediated pathways.

Methods: We tested whether a loss-of-function mutation in ABCA1, N1800H, is associated with plasma levels of apoE and with risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in 92,726 individuals and with risk of cerebrovascular disease in 64,181 individuals.

Results: N1800H AC (0.2%) versus AA (99.8%) was associated with a 13% lower plasma level of apoE (P = 1 × 10(-11)). Multifactorially adjusted hazard ratios for N1800H AC versus AA were 4.13 (95% confidence interval, 1.32-12.9) for AD, 2.46 (1.10-5.50) for cerebrovascular disease, and 8.28 (2.03-33.7) for the hemorrhagic stroke subtype.

Discussion: A loss-of-function mutation in ABCA1, present in 1:500 individuals, was associated with low plasma levels of apoE and with high risk of AD and cerebrovascular disease in the general population.

Keywords: ATP-binding cassette transporter A1; Alzheimer's disease; Apolipoprotein E; Blood-brain barrier; Cerebrovascular disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter 1 / genetics*
  • Alzheimer Disease / genetics*
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / metabolism
  • Apolipoproteins E / blood*
  • Blood-Brain Barrier
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / genetics*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mutation*
  • Registries
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter 1
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Apolipoproteins E