ABCG1 and ABCG4 Suppress γ-Secretase Activity and Amyloid β Production

Biological Functions and Clinical Significance of the ABCG1 Transporter

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are a large family of proteins that transport various substances across cell membranes using energy from ATP hydrolysis. ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 1 (ABCG1) is a member of the ABCG subfamily of transporters and performs many important functions, such as the export of cholesterol and some other lipids across the membranes of various cells. Cholesterol transport is the mechanism that links metabolism and the innate immune system. Due to its lipid transport function, ABCG1 may contribute to the prevention of atherosclerosis and is involved in the functioning of the lung, pancreas, and other organs and systems. However, the full clinical significance of ABCG1 is still unknown and is a promising area for future research.

Cholesterol Metabolism in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Significance: Cholesterol plays a crucial role in the brain, where it is highly concentrated and tightly regulated to support normal brain functions. It serves as a vital component of cell membranes, ensuring their integrity, and acts as a key regulator of various brain processes. Dysregulation of cholesterol metabolism in the brain has been linked to impaired brain function and the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. Recent Advances: A significant advancement has been the identification of astrocyte-derived apoliprotein E as a key regulator of de novo cholesterol biosynthesis in neurons, providing insights into how extracellular signals influence neuronal cholesterol levels. In addition, the development of antibody-based therapies, particularly for AD, presents promising opportunities for therapeutic interventions. Critical Issues: Despite significant research, the association between cholesterol and neurodegenerative diseases remains inconclusive. It is crucial to distinguish between plasma cholesterol and brain cholesterol, as these pools are relatively independent. This differentiation should be considered when evaluating statin-based treatment approaches. Furthermore, assessing not only the total cholesterol content in the brain but also its distribution among different types of brain cells is essential. Future Direction: Establishing a causal link between changes in brain/plasma cholesterol levels and the onset of brain dysfunction/neurodegenerative diseases remains a key objective. In addition, conducting cell-specific analyses of cholesterol homeostasis in various types of brain cells under pathological conditions will enhance our understanding of cholesterol metabolism in neurodegenerative diseases. Manipulating cholesterol levels to restore homeostasis may represent a novel approach for alleviating neurological symptoms. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 41, 1051-1072.

Mass spectrometry imaging highlights dynamic patterns of lipid co-expression with Aβ plaques in mouse and human brains

Lipids play crucial roles in the susceptibility and brain cellular responses to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and are increasingly considered potential soluble biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma. To delineate the pathological correlations of distinct lipid species, we conducted a comprehensive characterization of both spatially localized and global differences in brain lipid composition in AppNL-G-F mice with spatial and bulk mass spectrometry lipidomic profiling, using human amyloid-expressing (h-Aβ) and WT mouse brains controls. We observed age-dependent increases in lysophospholipids, bis(monoacylglycerol) phosphates, and phosphatidylglycerols around Aβ plaques in AppNL-G-F mice. Immunohistology-based co-localization identified associations between focal pro-inflammatory lipids, glial activation, and autophagic flux disruption. Likewise, in human donors with varying Braak stages, similar studies of cortical sections revealed co-expression of lysophospholipids and ceramides around Aβ plaques in AD (Braak stage V/VI) but not in earlier Braak stage controls. Our findings in mice provide evidence of temporally and spatially heterogeneous differences in lipid composition as local and global Aβ-related pathologies evolve. Observing similar lipidomic changes associated with pathological Aβ plaques in human AD tissue provides a foundation for understanding differences in CSF lipids with reported clinical stage or disease severity.

The role of ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 1 in tumor progression

BACKGROUND

ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 1 is mostly known as a transporter for intracellular cholesterol efflux, and a number of studies indicate that ABCG1 also functions actively in tumor initiation and progression. This review aimed to provide an overall review of how ABCG1 acts in tumor progression.

METHOD

A comprehensive searching about ABCG1 and tumor was conducted up to November 2023 using proper keywords through databases including PubMed and Web of Science.

RESULT

Overall, ABCG1 plays a crucial role in the development of multiple tumorigenesis. ABCG1 enhances tumor-promoting ability through conferring stem-like properties to cancer cells and mediates chemoresistance in multiple cancers. Additionally, ABCG1 may act as a kinase to phosphorylate downstream molecules and induces tumor growth. In tumor microenvironment, ABCG1 plays a substantial role in immunity response through macrophages to create a tumor-favoring circumstance.

CONCLUSION

High expression of ABCG1 is usually associated with poor prognosis, which means ABCG1 may be a potential biomarker for early diagnosis and prognosis of various cancers. ABCG1-targeted therapy may provide a novel treatment for cancer patients.

Enhancing of cerebral Abeta clearance by modulation of ABC transporter expression: a review of experimental approaches

Clearance of amyloid-beta (Aβ) from the brain is impaired in both early-onset and late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Mechanisms for clearing cerebral Aβ include proteolytic degradation, antibody-mediated clearance, blood brain barrier and blood cerebrospinal fluid barrier efflux, glymphatic drainage, and perivascular drainage. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are membrane efflux pumps driven by ATP hydrolysis. Their functions include maintenance of brain homeostasis by removing toxic peptides and compounds, and transport of bioactive molecules including cholesterol. Some ABC transporters contribute to lowering of cerebral Aβ. Mechanisms suggested for ABC transporter-mediated lowering of brain Aβ, in addition to exporting of Aβ across the blood brain and blood cerebrospinal fluid barriers, include apolipoprotein E lipidation, microglial activation, decreased amyloidogenic processing of amyloid precursor protein, and restricting the entrance of Aβ into the brain. The ABC transporter superfamily in humans includes 49 proteins, eight of which have been suggested to reduce cerebral Aβ levels. This review discusses experimental approaches for increasing the expression of these ABC transporters, clinical applications of these approaches, changes in the expression and/or activity of these transporters in AD and transgenic mouse models of AD, and findings in the few clinical trials which have examined the effects of these approaches in patients with AD or mild cognitive impairment. The possibility that therapeutic upregulation of ABC transporters which promote clearance of cerebral Aβ may slow the clinical progression of AD merits further consideration.

Behavioral and Metabolic Effects of ABCG4 KO in the APPswe,Ind (J9) Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is complex and involves an imbalance between production and clearance of amyloid-ß peptides (Aß), resulting in accumulation of Aß in senile plaques. Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for developing AD, with cholesterol shown to accumulate in senile plaques and increase production of Aß. ABCG4 is a member of the ATP-binding cassette transporters predominantly expressed in the CNS and has been suggested to play a role in cholesterol and Aß efflux from the brain. In this study, we bred Abcg4 knockout (KO) with the APPSwe,Ind (J9) mouse model of AD to test the hypothesis that loss of Abcg4 would exacerbate the AD phenotype. Unexpectedly, no differences were observed in novel object recognition (NOR) and novel object placement (NOP) behavioral tests, or on histologic examinations of brain tissues for senile plaque numbers. Furthermore, clearance of radiolabeled Aß from the brains did not differ between Abcg4 KO and control mice. Metabolic testing by indirect calorimetry, glucose tolerance test (GTT), and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were also mostly similar between groups with only a few mild metabolic differences noted. Overall, these data suggest that the loss of ABCG4 did not exacerbate the AD phenotype.

Emerging Role of ABC Transporters in Glia Cells in Health and Diseases of the Central Nervous System

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters play a crucial role for the efflux of a wide range of substrates across different cellular membranes. In the central nervous system (CNS), ABC transporters have recently gathered significant attention due to their pivotal involvement in brain physiology and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Glial cells are fundamental for normal CNS function and engage with several ABC transporters in different ways. Here, we specifically highlight ABC transporters involved in the maintenance of brain homeostasis and their implications in its metabolic regulation. We also show new aspects related to ABC transporter function found in less recognized diseases, such as Huntington's disease (HD) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), as a model for multiple sclerosis (MS). Understanding both their impact on the physiological regulation of the CNS and their roles in brain diseases holds promise for uncovering new therapeutic options. Further investigations and preclinical studies are warranted to elucidate the complex interplay between glial ABC transporters and physiological brain functions, potentially leading to effective therapeutic interventions also for rare CNS disorders.

The role of ATP-binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1) in Alzheimer's disease: A review of the mechanisms

The maintenance of cholesterol homeostasis is essential for central nervous system function. Consequently, factors that affect cholesterol homeostasis are linked to neurological disorders and pathologies. Among them, ATP-binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1) plays a significant role in atherosclerosis. However, its role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is unclear. There is inconsistent information regarding ABCG1's role in AD. It can increase or decrease amyloid β (Aβ) levels in animals' brains. Clinical studies show that ABCG1 is involved in AD patients' impairment of cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Lower Aβ levels in the CSF are correlated with ABCG1-mediated CEC dysfunction. ABCG1 modulates α-, β-, and γ-secretase activities in the plasma membrane and may affect Aβ production in the mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane (MAM) cell compartment. Despite contradictory findings regarding ABCG1's role in AD, this review shows that ABCG1 has a role in Aβ generation via modulation of membrane secretases. It is, however, necessary to investigate the underlying mechanism(s). ABCG1 may also contribute to AD pathology through its role in apoptosis and oxidative stress. As a result, ABCG1 plays a role in AD and is a candidate for drug development.

Blood-brain barrier transporters: An overview of function, dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease and strategies for treatment

The blood-brain-barrier (BBB) has a major function in maintaining brain homeostasis by regulating the entry of molecules from the blood to the brain. Key players in BBB function are BBB transporters which are highly expressed in brain endothelial cells (BECs) and critical in mediating the exchange of nutrients and waste products. BBB transporters can also influence drug delivery into the brain by inhibiting or facilitating the entry of brain targeting therapeutics for the treatment of brain disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent studies have shown that AD is associated with a disrupted BBB and transporter dysfunction, although their roles in the development in AD are not fully understand. Modulation of BBB transporter activity may pose a novel approach to enhance the delivery of drugs to the brain for enhanced treatment of AD. In this review, we will give an overview of key functions of BBB transporters and known changes in AD. In addition, we will discuss current strategies for transporter modulation for enhanced drug delivery into the brain.

Alzheimer's disease brain endothelial-like cells reveal differential drug transporter expression and modulation by potentially therapeutic focused ultrasound

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) has a key function in maintaining homeostasis in the brain, partly modulated by transporters, which are highly expressed in brain endothelial cells (BECs). Transporters mediate the uptake or efflux of compounds to and from the brain and they can also challenge the delivery of drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Currently there is a limited understanding of changes in BBB transporters in AD. To investigate this, we generated brain endothelial-like cells (iBECs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with familial AD (FAD) Presenilin 1 (PSEN1) mutation and identified AD-specific differences in transporter expression compared to control (ctrl) iBECs. We first characterized the expression levels of 12 BBB transporters in AD-, Ctrl-, and isogenic (PSEN1 corrected) iBECs to identify any AD specific differences. We then exposed the cells to focused ultrasound (FUS) in the absence (FUSonly) or presence of microbubbles (MB) (FUS+MB), which is a novel therapeutic method that can be used to transiently open the BBB to increase drug delivery into the brain, however its effects on BBB transporter expression are largely unknown. Following FUSonly and FUS+MB, we investigated whether the expression or activity of key transporters could be modulated. Our findings demonstrate that PSEN1 mutant FAD (PSEN1AD) possess phenotypical differences compared to control iBECs in BBB transporter expression and function. Additionally, we show that FUSonly and FUS+MB can modulate BBB transporter expression and functional activity in iBECs, having potential implications on drug penetration and amyloid clearance. These findings highlight the differential responses of patient cells to FUS treatment, with patient-derived models likely providing an important tool for modelling therapeutic effects of FUS.

Astaxanthin enhances autophagy, amyloid beta clearance and exerts anti-inflammatory effects in in vitro models of Alzheimer's disease-related blood brain barrier dysfunction and inflammation

Defective degradation and clearance of amyloid-β as well as inflammation per se are crucial players in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A defective transport across the blood-brain barrier is causative for amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation in the brain, provoking amyloid plaque formation. Using primary porcine brain capillary endothelial cells and murine organotypic hippocampal slice cultures as in vitro models of AD, we investigated the effects of the antioxidant astaxanthin (ASX) on Aβ clearance and neuroinflammation. We report that ASX enhanced the clearance of misfolded proteins in primary porcine brain capillary endothelial cells by inducing autophagy and altered the Aβ processing pathway. We observed a reduction in the expression levels of intracellular and secreted amyloid precursor protein/Aβ accompanied by an increase in ABC transporters ABCA1, ABCG1 as well as low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 mRNA levels. Furthermore, ASX treatment increased autophagic flux as evidenced by increased lipidation of LC3B-II as well as reduced protein expression of phosphorylated S6 ribosomal protein and mTOR. In LPS-stimulated brain slices, ASX exerted anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the secretion of inflammatory cytokines while shifting microglia polarization from M1 to M2 phenotype. Our data suggest ASX as potential therapeutic compound ameliorating AD-related blood brain barrier impairment and inflammation.

The role of the ATP-Binding Cassette A1 (ABCA1) in neurological disorders: a mechanistic review

INTRODUCTION

Cholesterol homeostasis is critical for normal brain function. It is tightly controlled by various biological elements. ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is a membrane transporter that effluxes cholesterol from cells, particularly astrocytes, into the extracellular space. The recent studies pertaining to ABCA1's role in CNS disorders were included in this study.

AREAS COVERED

In this comprehensive literature review, preclinical and human studies showed that ABCA1 has a significant role in the following diseases or disorders: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, anxiety, depression, psychosis, epilepsy, stroke, and brain ischemia and trauma.

EXPERT OPINION

ABCA1 via modulating normal and aberrant brain functions such as apoptosis, phagocytosis, BBB leakage, neuroinflammation, amyloid β efflux, myelination, synaptogenesis, neurite outgrowth, and neurotransmission promotes beneficial effects in aforementioned diseases. ABCA1 is a key molecule in the CNS. By boosting its expression or function, some CNS disorders may be resolved. In preclinical studies, liver X receptor agonists have shown promise in treating CNS disorders via ABCA1 and apoE enhancement.

Behavioral and metabolic and effects of ABCG4 KO in the APPswe,Ind (J9) mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is complex and involves an imbalance between production and clearance of amyloid-ß peptides (Aß), resulting in accumulation of Aß in senile plaques. Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for developing AD, with cholesterol shown to accumulate in senile plaques and increase production of Aß. ABCG4 is a member of the ATP-binding cassette transporters predominantly expressed in the CNS, and has been suggested to play a role in cholesterol and Aß efflux from the brain. In this study, we bred Abcg4 knockout (KO) with the APPSwe,Ind (J9) mouse model of AD to test the hypothesis that loss of Abcg4 would exacerbate the AD phenotype. Unexpectedly, no differences were observed in Novel object recognition (NOR) and Novel object placement (NOP) behavioral tests, or on histologic examinations of brain tissues for senile plaque numbers. Furthermore, clearance of radiolabeled Aß from the brains did not differ between Abcg4 KO and control mice. Metabolic testing by indirect calorimetry, glucose tolerance test (GTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT), were also mostly similar between groups with only a few mild metabolic differences noted. Overall these data suggest that the loss of ABCG4 did not exacerbate the AD phenotype.

ABCG2 in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Old and New Perspectives

Despite recent advances, prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unsatisfactory due to poor response to therapy or relapse. Among causes of resistance, over-expression of multidrug resistance (MDR) proteins represents a pivotal mechanism. ABCG2 is an efflux transporter responsible for inducing MDR in leukemic cells; through its ability to extrude many antineoplastic drugs, it leads to AML resistance and/or relapse, even if conflicting data have been reported to date. Moreover, ABCG2 may be co-expressed with other MDR-related proteins and is finely regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. Here, we review the main issues regarding ABCG2 activity and regulation in the AML clinical scenario, focusing on its expression and the role of polymorphisms, as well as on the potential ways to inhibit its function to counteract drug resistance to, eventually, improve outcomes in AML patients.

ABC transporters: human disease and pharmacotherapeutic potential

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are a 48-member superfamily of membrane proteins that actively transport a variety of biological substrates across lipid membranes. Their functional diversity defines an expansive involvement in myriad aspects of human biology. At least 21 ABC transporters underlie rare monogenic disorders, with even more implicated in the predisposition to and symptomology of common and complex diseases. Such broad (patho)physiological relevance places this class of proteins at the intersection of disease causation and therapeutic potential, underlining them as promising targets for drug discovery, as exemplified by the transformative CFTR (ABCC7) modulator therapies for cystic fibrosis. This review will explore the growing relevance of ABC transporters to human disease and their potential as small-molecule drug targets.

Application of Micro-Western Array for Identifying Different Serum Protein Expression Profile among Healthy Control, Alzheimer’s Disease Patients and Patients’ Adult Children

(1) Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. Increased levels of inflammatory proteins have been observed in brain and plasma samples of AD patients; however, it is not clear if other serum proteins correlate to the development or disease progression of AD. (2) Methods: Micro-Western Array (MWA) is a high-throughput antibody-based proteomics system which allows detection of the expression levels of 24–96 different proteins within 6–30 samples simultaneously. We applied MWA to explore potential serum protein biomarkers correlated to the development and progression of AD by examining the difference in serum protein profile of 31 healthy control (HC), 30 patients with AD and 30 patients’ adult children (ACS). (3) Results: Compared to HC, AD and ACS express similar pattern of serum proteins, including higher protein levels of ABCA1, ABCG1, SREBP1 and LXRβ but lower protein levels of ApoD, ApoE, ApoH, c_Myc, COX2 and Hippo-YAP signaling proteins. AD patients had higher serum levels of ABCG1, ApoD, ApoH, COX2, LXRα and YAP, but lower levels of ABCA1, ApoE, c_Myc, LATS1, MST1, MST2, Nanog, NFκB_p50, PPARγ and SREBP2, as compared to ACS. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that the protein expression level of ApoE, c_Myc, LATS1, MST2, NFκB p50, PPARγ and SREBP1 was negatively correlated to age, while that of ApoE, c_Myc, LATS1, MST1, MST2, Nanog, NFκB p50 and PPARγ was positively correlated to age. (4) Conclusions: We identified a group of serum proteins which may correlate to disease progression of AD and can be potential diagnostic serum protein biomarkers.

Physical Activity Rewires the Human Brain against Neurodegeneration

Physical activity may offset cognitive decline and dementia, but the molecular mechanisms by which it promotes neuroprotection remain elusive. In the absence of disease-modifying therapies, understanding the molecular effects of physical activity in the brain may be useful for identifying novel targets for disease management. Here we employed several bioinformatic methods to dissect the molecular underpinnings of physical activity in brain health. Network analysis identified 'switch genes' associated with drastic hippocampal transcriptional changes in aged cognitively intact individuals. Switch genes are key genes associated with dramatic transcriptional changes and thus may play a fundamental role in disease pathogenesis. Switch genes are associated with protein processing pathways and the metabolic control of glucose, lipids, and fatty acids. Correlation analysis showed that transcriptional patterns associated with physical activity significantly overlapped and negatively correlated with those of neurodegenerative diseases. Functional analysis revealed that physical activity might confer neuroprotection in Alzheimer's (AD), Parkinson's (PD), and Huntington's (HD) diseases via the upregulation of synaptic signaling pathways. In contrast, in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) its effects are mediated by restoring mitochondrial function and energy precursors. Additionally, physical activity is associated with the downregulation of genes involved in inflammation in AD, neurogenesis in FTD, regulation of growth and transcriptional repression in PD, and glial cell differentiation in HD. Collectively, these findings suggest that physical activity directs transcriptional changes in the brain through different pathways across the broad spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases. These results provide new evidence on the unique and shared mechanisms between physical activity and neurodegenerative diseases.

Emerging role of HDL in brain cholesterol metabolism and neurodegenerative disorders

High-density lipoproteins (HDLs play a key role in cholesterol homeostasis maintenance in the central nervous system (CNS), by carrying newly synthesized cholesterol from astrocytes to neurons, to support their lipid-related physiological functions. As occurs for plasma HDLs, brain lipoproteins are assembled through the activity of membrane cholesterol transporters, undergo remodeling mediated by specific enzymes and transport proteins, and finally deliver cholesterol to neurons by a receptor-mediated internalization process. A growing number of evidences indicates a strong association between alterations of CNS cholesterol homeostasis and neurodegenerative disorders, in particular Alzheimer's disease (AD), and a possible role in this relationship may be played by defects in brain HDL metabolism. In the present review, we summarize and critically examine the current state of knowledge on major modifications of HDL and HDL-mediated brain cholesterol transport in AD, by taking into consideration the individual steps of this process. We also describe potential and encouraging HDL-based therapies that could represent new therapeutic strategies for AD treatment. Finally, we revise the main plasma and brain HDL modifications in other neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Pharmacogenomics of Alzheimer's Disease: Novel Strategies for Drug Utilization and Development

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a priority health problem in developed countries with a high cost to society. Approximately 20% of direct costs are associated with pharmacological treatment. Over 90% of patients require multifactorial treatments, with risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and drug-drug interactions (DDIs) for the treatment of concomitant diseases such as hypertension (>25%), obesity (>70%), diabetes mellitus type 2 (>25%), hypercholesterolemia (40%), hypertriglyceridemia (20%), metabolic syndrome (20%), hepatobiliary disorder (15%), endocrine/metabolic disorders (>20%), cardiovascular disorder (40%), cerebrovascular disorder (60-90%), neuropsychiatric disorders (60-90%), and cancer (10%).For the past decades, pharmacological studies in search of potential treatments for AD focused on the following categories: neurotransmitter enhancers (11.38%), multitarget drugs (2.45%), anti-amyloid agents (13.30%), anti-tau agents (2.03%), natural products and derivatives (25.58%), novel synthetic drugs (8.13%), novel targets (5.66%), repository drugs (11.77%), anti-inflammatory drugs (1.20%), neuroprotective peptides (1.25%), stem cell therapy (1.85%), nanocarriers/nanotherapeutics (1.52%), and other compounds (<1%).Pharmacogenetic studies have shown that the therapeutic response to drugs in AD is genotype-specific in close association with the gene clusters that constitute the pharmacogenetic machinery (pathogenic, mechanistic, metabolic, transporter, pleiotropic genes) under the regulatory control of epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation, histone/chromatin remodeling, microRNA regulation). Most AD patients (>60%) are carriers of over ten pathogenic genes. The genes that most frequently (>50%) accumulate pathogenic variants in the same AD case are A2M (54.38%), ACE (78.94%), BIN1 (57.89%), CLU (63.15%), CPZ (63.15%), LHFPL6 (52.63%), MS4A4E (50.87%), MS4A6A (63.15%), PICALM (54.38%), PRNP (80.7059), and PSEN1 (77.19%). There is also an accumulation of 15 to 26 defective pharmagenes in approximately 85% of AD patients. About 50% of AD patients are carriers of at least 20 mutant pharmagenes, and over 80% are deficient metabolizers for the most common drugs, which are metabolized via the CYP2D6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4/5 enzymes.The implementation of pharmacogenetics can help optimize drug development and the limited therapeutic resources available to treat AD, and personalize the use of anti-dementia drugs in combination with other medications for the treatment of concomitant disorders.

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in cancer: A review of recent updates

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily is one of the largest membrane protein families existing in wide spectrum of organisms from prokaryotes to human. ABC transporters are also known as efflux pumps because they mediate the cross-membrane transportation of various endo- and xenobiotic molecules energized by ATP hydrolysis. Therefore, ABC transporters have been considered closely to multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer, where the efflux of structurally distinct chemotherapeutic drugs causes reduced itherapeutic efficacy. Besides, ABC transporters also play other critical biological roles in cancer such as signal transduction. During the past decades, extensive efforts have been made in understanding the structure-function relationship, transportation profile of ABC transporters, as well as the possibility to overcome MDR via targeting these transporters. In this review, we discuss the most recent knowledge regarding ABC transporters and cancer drug resistance in order to provide insights for the development of more effective therapies.

ATP-binding cassette transporters and neurodegenerative diseases

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are one of the largest groups of transporter families in humans. ABC transporters mediate the translocation of a diverse range of substrates across cellular membranes, including amino acids, nucleosides, lipids, sugars and xenobiotics. Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of brain diseases that detrimentally affect neurons and other brain cells and are usually associated with deposits of pathogenic proteins in the brain. Major neurodegenerative diseases include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ABC transporters are highly expressed in the brain and have been implicated in a number of pathological processes underlying neurodegenerative diseases. This review outlines the current understanding of the role of ABC transporters in neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on some of the most important pathways, and also suggests future directions for research in this field.

Regulation of beta-amyloid production in neurons by astrocyte-derived cholesterol

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the presence of amyloid β (Aβ) plaques, tau tangles, inflammation, and loss of cognitive function. Genetic variation in a cholesterol transport protein, apolipoprotein E (apoE), is the most common genetic risk factor for sporadic AD. In vitro evidence suggests that apoE links to Aβ production through nanoscale lipid compartments (lipid clusters), but its regulation in vivo is unclear. Here, we use superresolution imaging in the mouse brain to show that apoE utilizes astrocyte-derived cholesterol to specifically traffic neuronal amyloid precursor protein (APP) in and out of lipid clusters, where it interacts with β- and γ-secretases to generate Aβ-peptide. We find that the targeted deletion of astrocyte cholesterol synthesis robustly reduces amyloid and tau burden in a mouse model of AD. Treatment with cholesterol-free apoE or knockdown of cholesterol synthesis in astrocytes decreases cholesterol levels in cultured neurons and causes APP to traffic out of lipid clusters, where it interacts with α-secretase and gives rise to soluble APP-α (sAPP-α), a neuronal protective product of APP. Changes in cellular cholesterol have no effect on α-, β-, and γ-secretase trafficking, suggesting that the ratio of Aβ to sAPP-α is regulated by the trafficking of the substrate, not the enzymes. We conclude that cholesterol is kept low in neurons, which inhibits Aβ accumulation and enables the astrocyte regulation of Aβ accumulation by cholesterol signaling.

Alix: A Candidate Serum Biomarker of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common fatal neurodegenerative disease of the elderly worldwide. The identification of AD biomarkers will allow for earlier diagnosis and thus earlier intervention. The aim of this study was to find such biomarkers. It was observed that the expression of Alix was significantly decreased in brain tissues and serum samples from AD patients compared to the controls. A significant correlation between Alix levels and cognitive decline was observed (r = 0.80; p < 0.001) as well as a significant negative correlation between Alix and Aβ₄₀ in serum levels (r =−0.60, p < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis showed the area under the curve (AUC) of Alix was 0.80, and the optimal cut-off point of 199.5 pg/ml was selected with the highest sum of sensitivity and specificity. The diagnostic accuracy for serum Alix was 74%, with 76% sensitivity and 71% specificity respectively, which could differentiate AD from controls. In addition, the expression of Alix was found to be significantly decreased in AD compared to vascular dementia (VaD). ROC analysis between AD and VaD showed that the AUC was 0.777, which could be indicative of the role of serum Alix as a biomarker in the differential diagnosis between AD and VaD. Most surprisingly, the decreased expression of Alix was attenuated after the treatment of Memantine in different AD animal models. In conclusion, our results indicate the possibility of serum Alix as a novel and non-invasive biomarker for AD for the first time.

The role of Niemann-Pick type C2 in zebrafish embryonic development

Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a rare, fatal, neurodegenerative lysosomal disease caused by mutations of either NPC1 or NPC2. NPC2 is a soluble lysosomal protein that functions in coordination with NPC1 to efflux cholesterol from the lysosomal compartment. Mutations of either gene result in the accumulation of unesterified cholesterol and other lipids in the late endosome/lysosome, and reduction of cellular cholesterol bioavailability. Zygotic null npc2m/m zebrafish showed significant unesterified cholesterol accumulation at larval stages, a reduction in body size, and motor and balance defects in adulthood. However, the phenotype at embryonic stages was milder than expected, suggesting a possible role of maternal Npc2 in embryonic development. Maternal-zygotic npc2m/m zebrafish exhibited significant developmental defects, including defective otic vesicle development/absent otoliths, abnormal head/brain development, curved/twisted body axes and no circulating blood cells, and died by 72 hpf. RNA-seq analysis conducted on 30 hpf npc2+/m and MZnpc2m/m embryos revealed a significant reduction in the expression of notch3 and other downstream genes in the Notch signaling pathway, suggesting that impaired Notch3 signaling underlies aspects of the developmental defects observed in MZnpc2m/m zebrafish.

Biological processes and key druggable targets involved in age-associated memory loss: A systematic review

Age-associated memory loss is highly prevalent in the elder population. The inception of neurodegenerative diseases acts as a causative factor for the onset of memory loss in aged individuals. The pathophysiological mechanisms of memory loss associated with the onset of neurodegenerative diseases and normal aging processes share certain similarities as well as differences. The normal age-associated memory loss is attributed to the impairment of calcium metabolism, dysregulated cholesterol metabolism, the prevalence of oxidative stress, inappropriate functioning of hormones as well as genetic factors. Vital information regarding the key biological processes and the druggable targets involved in the onset of memory loss in the elder population has been provided in this article. The genomic and proteomic profiles of key druggable targets retrieved from the experimental evidence, co-expression studies and databases are also presented in this article. The genomic and proteomic information of druggable targets will aid in the identification of therapeutic agents which could effectively regulate the key biological processes involved in the age-associated memory loss.

Mammalian ABCG-transporters, sterols and lipids: To bind perchance to transport?

Members of the ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter family perform a critical function in maintaining lipid homeostasis in cells as well as the transport of drugs. In this review, we provide an update on the ABCG-transporter subfamily member proteins, which include the homodimers ABCG1, ABCG2 and ABCG4 as well as the heterodimeric complex formed between ABCG5 and ABCG8. This review focusses on progress made in this field of research with respect to their function in health and disease and the recognised transporter substrates. We also provide an update on post-translational regulation, including by transporter substrates, and well as the involvement of microRNA as regulators of transporter expression and activity. In addition, we describe progress made in identifying structural elements that have been recognised as important for transport activity. We furthermore discuss the role of lipids such as cholesterol on the transport function of ABCG2, traditionally thought of as a drug transporter, and provide a model of potential cholesterol binding sites for ABCG2.

The Interplay of ABC Transporters in Aβ Translocation and Cholesterol Metabolism: Implicating Their Roles in Alzheimer's Disease

The occurrence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) worldwide has been progressively accelerating at an alarming rate, without any successful therapeutic strategy for the disease mitigation. The complexity of AD pathogenesis needs to be targeted with an alternative approach, as provided by the superfamily of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, which constitutes an extensive range of proteins, capable of transporting molecular entities across biological membranes. These protein moieties have been implicated in AD, based upon their potential in lipid transportation, resulting in maintenance of cholesterol homeostasis. These transporters have been reported to target the primary hallmark of AD pathogenesis, namely, beta-amyloid hypothesis, which is associated with accumulation of beta-amyloid (Aβ) plaques in AD patients. The ABC transporters have been observed to be localized to the capillary endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier and neural parenchymal cells, where they exhibit different roles, consequently influencing the neuronal expression of Aβ peptides. The review highlights different families of ABC transporters, ABCB1 (P-glycoprotein), ABCA (ABCA1, ABCA2, and ABCA7), ABCG2 (BCRP; breast cancer resistance protein), ABCG1 and ABCG4, as well as ABCC1 (MRP; multidrug resistance protein) in the CNS, and their interplay in regulating cholesterol metabolism and Aβ peptide load in the brain, simultaneously exerting protective effects against neurotoxic substrates and xenobiotics. The authors aim to establish the significance of this alternative approach as a novel therapeutic target in AD, to provide the researchers an opportunity to evaluate the potential aspects of ABC transporters in AD treatment.

Data-Driven Modeling of Knowledge Assemblies in Understanding Comorbidity Between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Alzheimer's Disease

Background:

Recent studies have suggested comorbid association between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) through identification of shared molecular mechanisms. However, the inference is pre-dominantly literature-based and lacks interpretation of pre-disposed genomic variants and transcriptomic measurables.

Objective:

In this study, we aim to identify shared genetic variants and dysregulated genes in AD and T2DM and explore their functional roles in the comorbidity between the diseases.

Methods:

The genetic variants for AD and T2DM were retrieved from GWAS catalog, GWAS central, dbSNP, and DisGeNet and subjected to linkage disequilibrium analysis. Next, shared variants were prioritized using RegulomeDB and Polyphen-2. Afterwards, a knowledge assembly embedding prioritized variants and their corresponding genes was created by mining relevant literature using Biological Expression Language. Finally, coherently perturbed genes from gene expression meta-analysis were mapped to the knowledge assembly to pinpoint biological entities and processes and depict a mechanistic link between AD and T2DM.

Results:

Our analysis identified four genes (i.e., ABCG1, COMT, MMP9, and SOD2) that could have dual roles in both AD and T2DM. Using cartoon representation, we have illustrated a set of causal events surrounding these genes which are associated to biological processes such as oxidative stress, insulin resistance, apoptosis and cognition.

Conclusion:

Our approach of using data as the driving force for unraveling disease etiologies eliminates literature bias and enables identification of novel entities that serve as the bridge between comorbid conditions.

Regulation of ABCG4 transporter expression by sterols and LXR ligands

BACKGROUND

Oxysterols, which are derivatives of cholesterol produced by enzymic or non-enzymic pathways, are potent regulators of cellular lipid homeostasis. Sterol homeostasis in the brain is an important area of interest with regards to neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD). Brain cells including neurons and astrocytes express sterol transporters belonging to the ABC transporter family of proteins, including ABCA1, ABCG1 and ABCG4, and these transporters are considered of interest as therapeutic targets. Although regulation of ABCA1 and ABCG1 is well established, regulation of ABCG4 is still controversial, in particular whether the transporter is an Liver X receptor (LXR) target. ABCG4 is thought to transport cholesterol, oxysterols and cholesterol synthesis intermediates, and was recently found on the blood brain barrier (BBB), implicated in amyloid-beta export. In this study, we investigate the regulation of ABCG4 by oxysterols, cholesterol-synthesis intermediates and cholesterol itself.

METHODS

ABC transporter expression was measured in neuroblastoma and gliablastoma cell lines and cells overexpressing ABCG4 in response to synthetic LXR ligands, oxysterols and cholesterol-synthesis intermediates.

RESULTS

In contrast to previous reports, ABCG4 expression was induced by a synthetic LXR ligand in U87-MG astrocytes but not in neuroblastoma and BBB endothelial cell lines. In addition, ABCG4 protein was stabilized by cholesterol as was previously shown for ABCG1. ABCG4 protein was furthermore stabilized by cholesterol-synthesis intermediates, desmosterol, lathosterol and lanosterol.

CONCLUSIONS

These results identify new aspects of the post-translational control of ABCG4 that warrant further exploration into the role of this transporter in the maintenance of sterol homeostasis in the brain.

Apolipoprotein A-I in mouse cerebrospinal fluid derives from the liver and intestine via plasma high-density lipoproteins assembled by ABCA1 and LCAT

Apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, the major structural protein of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), is present in human and mouse cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) despite its lack of expression in brain cells. To identify the origin of apoA-I in CSF, we generated intestine-specific and liver-specific Apoa1 knockout mice (Apoa1^ΔInt and Apoa1^Δliv mice, respectively). Lipoprotein profiles of Apoa1^ΔInt and Apoa1^ΔLiv mice resembled those of control littermates, whereas knockout of Apoa1 in both intestine and liver (Apoa1^ΔIntΔLiv ) resulted in a 60-percent decrease in HDL-cholesterol levels, thus strongly mimicking the Apoa1^-/- mice. Immunoassays revealed that mouse apoA-I was not present in the CSF of the Apoa1^ΔIntΔLiv mice. Furthermore, apoA-I levels in CSF were highly correlated with plasma spherical HDL levels, which were regulated by ABCA1 and LCAT. Collectively, these results suggest that apoA-I protein in CSF originates in liver and small intestine and is taken up from the plasma.

Alteration in the Function and Expression of SLC and ABC Transporters in the Neurovascular Unit in Alzheimer's Disease and the Clinical Significance

The neurovascular unit (NVU) plays an important role in maintaining the function of the central nervous system (CNS). Emerging evidence has indicated that the NVU changes function and molecules at the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which initiates multiple pathways of neurodegeneration. Cell types in the NVU have become attractive targets in the interventional treatment of AD. The NVU transportation system contains a variety of proteins involved in compound transport and neurotransmission. Brain transporters can be classified as members of the solute carrier (SLC) and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) families in the NVU. Moreover, the transporters can regulate both endogenous toxins, including amyloid-beta (Aβ) and xenobiotic homeostasis, in the brains of AD patients. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified some transporter gene variants as susceptibility loci for late-onset AD. Therefore, the present study summarizes changes in blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability in AD, identifies the location of SLC and ABC transporters in the brain and focuses on major SLC and ABC transporters that contribute to AD pathology.

ABC Transporters in Neurological Disorders: An Important Gateway for Botanical Compounds Mediated Neuro-Therapeutics

Neurodegeneration is a distinguishing feature of many age related disorders and other vector borne neuroinflammatory diseases. There are a number of factors that can modulate the pathology of these disorders. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are primarily involved in the maintenance of normal brain homeostasis by eliminating toxic peptides and compounds from the brain. Also, ABC transporters protect the brain from the unwanted effects of endogenous and exogenous toxins that can enter the brain parenchyma. Therefore, these transporters have the ability to determine the pathological outcomes of several neurological disorders. For instance, ABC transporters like P-glycoprotein (ABCB1), and BCRP (ABCG2) have been reported to facilitate the clearance of peptides such as amyloid-β (Aβ) that accumulate in the brain during Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. Other members such as ABCA1, ABCA2, ABCC8, ABCC9, ABCG1 and ABCG4 also have been reported to be involved in the progression of various brain disorders such as HIV-associated dementia, Multiple sclerosis (MS), Ischemic stroke, Japanese encephalitis (JE) and Epilepsy. However, these defective transporters can be targeted by numerous botanical compounds such as Verapamil, Berberine and Fascalpsyn as a therapeutic target to treat these neurological outcomes. These compounds are already reported to modulate ABC transporter activity in the CNS. Nonetheless, the exact mechanisms involving the ABC transporters role in normal brain functioning, their role in neuronal dysfunction and how these botanical compounds ensure and facilitate their therapeutic action in association with defective transporters still remain elusive. This review therefore, summarizes the role of ABC transporters in neurological disorders, with a special emphasis on its role in AD brains. The prospect of using botanical/natural compounds as modulators of ABC transporters in neurological disorders is discussed in the latter half of the article.

The combination of luteolin and l-theanine improved Alzheimer disease-like symptoms by potentiating hippocampal insulin signaling and decreasing neuroinflammation and norepinephrine degradation in amyloid-β-infused rats

Luteolin and l-theanine have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and possible antidiabetic activities, and they may synergistically protect against dementia. Here, we hypothesized that a combination of luteolin and l-theanine would synergistically act to improve memory function and glucose disturbances in rats infused with amyloid-β, and the mechanisms underlying these actions were investigated. Rats that received an amyloid-β(25-35) infusion into the CA1 region of the hippocampus were fed dextrin (AD-CON), 0.1% luteolin (AD-Lut), 0.2% l-theanine (AD-Thea), or both 0.05% luteolin and 0.1% l-theanine (AD-LuTh) in conjunction with a high-fat diet over 8 weeks. AD-LuTh improved memory function, as determined by water maze and passive avoidance tests, by potentiating the hippocampal insulin signaling and reducing inflammation: Luteolin mainly potentiated insulin signaling via the pAkt➔pGSK➔pTau pathway, and l-theanine primarily reduced tumor necrosis factor-α. In the metabolomics analysis of the hippocampus lysates, the concentration of proline, phenylpyruvic acid, and normetanephrine decreased in the AD-LuTh compared to AD-CON. Norepinephrine contents were lower in the AD-CON than non-AD rats with a high fat diet with 0.2% dextrin, whereas AD-Thea and AD-LuTh inhibited the decrease. Both the AD-Lut and AD-LuTh increased glucose infusion rates and decreased hepatic glucose output under basal and hyperinsulinemic conditions, indicating improved whole-body and hepatic insulin sensitivity. Disturbances in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion during hyperglycemic clamp were most effectively corrected by the AD-Lut and AD-LuTh treatments. In conclusion, the hypothesis of the study was accepted. The combination of luteolin and l-theanine prevented Alzheimer disease-like symptom, possibly by improving hippocampal insulin signaling, norepinephrine metabolisms, and decreasing neuroinflammation. The combination of luteolin and l-theanine may be a useful therapeutic option for preventing and/or delaying the progression of memory dysfunction.

Structural snapshot of the cholesterol-transport ATP-binding cassette proteins 1

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins play critical roles in maintaining lipid and sterol homeostasis in higher eukaryotes. In humans, several subfamily-A and -G members function as cholesterol transporters across the cellular membranes. Deficiencies of these ABC proteins can cause dyslipidemia that is associated with health conditions such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and neurodegeneration. The physiological roles of ABC cholesterol transporters have been implicated in mediating cholesterol efflux for reverse cholesterol transport and in maintaining membrane integrity for cell survival. The precise role of these ABC transporters in cells remains elusive, and little is known about the sterol-transport mechanism. The membrane constituents of ABC transporters have been postulated to play a key role in determining the transport substrates and the translocation mechanisms via the transmembrane domains. Recent breakthroughs in determining high-resolution structures of the human sterol transporter ABCG5/G8 and its functional homologs have shed light on new structural features of ABC transporters, providing a more relevant framework for mechanistic analysis of cholesterol-transport ABC proteins. This minireview outlines what is known about ABCG cholesterol transporters, addresses key structural features in the putative sterol translocation pathway on the transmembrane domains, and concludes by proposing a mechanistic model of ABC cholesterol transporters.

ApoE isoforms and carboxyl-terminal-truncated apoE4 forms affect neuronal BACE1 levels and Aβ production independently of their cholesterol efflux capacity

The β-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) initiates the production of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), which is central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Changes in brain cholesterol homeostasis have been suggested to affect Aβ metabolism. Cholesterol homeostasis is maintained in the brain by apolipoprotein E (apoE). The apoE4 isoform constitutes the major risk factor for AD. Here, we investigated the effect of apoE forms on Aβ generation and on BACE1 levels. We also examined the potential involvement in these processes of cholesterol transporters ABCG1 and ABCG4 or the lipoprotein receptor SR-BI, which are implicated in cholesterol efflux to apoE. It was found that reconstituted lipoprotein-associated apoE isoforms promoted the increase of Aβ production and oligomerization and of BACE1 levels in human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells, with an apoE4 ≥ apoE3 > apoE2 potency rank order. Progressive carboxyl-terminal apoE4 deletions between residues 230–299 decreased the protein's ability to increase BACE1, while further truncations up to residue 166 prevented apoE4 from increasing BACE1 and Aβ levels in SK-N-SH and primary mouse neuronal cells. ABCG1, but not ABCG4 or SR-BI, moderately increased Aβ production and BACE1 levels in SK-N-SH cells. All apoE forms affected Aβ production/oligomerization and BACE1 levels in a pattern that did not follow that of their capacity to promote ABCG1, ABCG4 or SR-BI-mediated cholesterol efflux. Overall, our data indicate that apoE-containing lipoprotein particles can have a direct effect on BACE1 levels and Aβ secretion and possibly contribute to AD pathogenetic processes, independently of their capacity to promote cholesterol efflux.

Early Presymptomatic Changes in the Proteome of Mitochondria-Associated Membrane in the APP/PS1 Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Intracellular β-amyloid (Aβ) accumulation is an early event in Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. Recently, it has been uncovered that presenilins (PSs), the key components of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing and the β-amyloid producing γ-secretase complex, are highly enriched in a special sub-compartment of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) functionally connected to mitochondria, called mitochondria-associated ER membrane (MAM). A current hypothesis of pathogenesis of Alzheimer's diseases (AD) suggests that MAM is involved in the initial phase of AD. Since MAM supplies mitochondria with essential proteins, the increasing level of PSs and β-amyloid could lead to metabolic dysfunction because of the impairment of ER-mitochondrion crosstalk. To reveal the early molecular changes of this subcellular compartment in AD development MAM fraction was isolated from the cerebral cortex of 3 months old APP/PS1 mouse model of AD and age-matched C57BL/6 control mice, then mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteome analysis was performed. The enrichment and purity of MAM preparations were validated with EM, LC-MS/MS and protein enrichment analysis. Label-free LC-MS/MS was used to reveal the differences between the proteome of the transgenic and control mice. We obtained 77 increased and 49 decreased protein level changes in the range of - 6.365 to + 2.988, which have mitochondrial, ER or ribosomal localization according to Gene Ontology database. The highest degree of difference between the two groups was shown by the ATP-binding cassette G1 (Abcg1) which plays a crucial role in cholesterol metabolism and suppresses Aβ accumulation. Most of the other protein changes were associated with increased protein synthesis, endoplasmic-reticulum-associated protein degradation (ERAD), oxidative stress response, decreased mitochondrial protein transport and ATP production. The interaction network analysis revealed a strong relationship between the detected MAM protein changes and AD. Moreover, it explored several MAM proteins with hub position suggesting their importance in Aβ induced early MAM dysregulation. Our identified MAM protein changes precede the onset of dementia-like symptoms in the APP/PS1 model, suggesting their importance in the development of AD.

Expression and function of Abcg4 in the mouse blood-brain barrier: role in restricting the brain entry of amyloid-β peptide

ABCG4 is an ATP-binding cassette transmembrane protein which has been shown, in vitro, to participate in the cellular efflux of desmosterol and amyloid-β peptide (Aβ). ABCG4 is highly expressed in the brain, but its localization and function at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) level remain unknown. We demonstrate by qRT-PCR and confocal imaging that mouse Abcg4 is expressed in the brain capillary endothelial cells. Modelling studies of the Abcg4 dimer suggested that desmosterol showed thermodynamically favorable binding at the putative sterol-binding site, and this was greater than for cholesterol. Additionally, unbiased docking also showed Aβ binding at this site. Using a novel Abcg4-deficient mouse model, we show that Abcg4 was able to export Aβ and desmosterol at the BBB level and these processes could be inhibited by probucol and L-thyroxine. Our assay also showed that desmosterol antagonized the export of Aβ, presumably as both bind at the sterol-binding site on Abcg4. We show for the first time that Abcg4 may function in vivo to export Aβ at the BBB, in a process that can be antagonized by its putative natural ligand, desmosterol (and possibly cholesterol).