The longevity gene APOE2 enhances pericyte function and reduces lipid droplets

Abstract Pericytes are critical for maintaining blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and have emerged as key contributors to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis. Although the apolipoprotein E2 (APOE2) allele is associated with reduced AD risk and increased longevity, its impact on pericyte function is unclear. We measured pericyte density in the brains of humanized APOE2, APOE3, and APOE4 knock-in mice and found that APOE2 mice revealed increased pericyte markers and enhanced BBB integrity. To uncover the underlying mechanisms, we used CRISPR/Cas9 editing to generate isogenic human iPSC-derived pericytes carrying APOE2, APOE3, or APOE4 alleles. All lines expressed pericyte markers in an APOE allele-dependent levels. Using a human in vitro BBB model incorporating endothelial cells, astrocytes, and genotype-specific pericytes, we found that APOE2 pericytes provided greater overall cerebral barrier integrity. Further, APOE2 pericytes exhibited increased resistance to senescence and reduced amyloid-β accumulation. Using unbiased proteomic profiling to understand these cellular phenotypes, we found significant alterations in lipid metabolism-related proteins. Untargeted lipidomic analysis confirmed a genotype-specific lipid signature, observing reduced phospholipids and increased triglycerides in APOE2 pericytes. Interestingly, APOE2 pericytes showed lower lipid droplet (LD) accumulation. Proteomics analysis revealed increased expression of proteins involved in lipid degradation, β-oxidation, and lipid transport, suggesting more efficient lipid processing. Notably, recombinant APOE2 treatment effectively rescued pericyte function and mitigated LD accumulation in APOE3 and APOE4 pericytes. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that APOE2 expression supports pericyte functionality through increased lipid processing, providing mechanistic insight into the cerebrovascular protective effects of APOE2 in pericytes. These findings could be translated into novel therapies aimed at enhancing pericyte function and lipid metabolism, particularly in individuals at risk for neurodegenerative diseases.