A new grant from Cure Alzheimer’s Fund will support research to investigate the effects of the ApoE genotype in cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), using a gene-edited rat model recently developed at the Ryan Institute.

Ryan Institute Co-Executive Director William Van Nostrand is principal investigator on the project, which seeks to provide new understanding of the role played by Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) 4—a form of the ApoE gene associated with elevated risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders— in the development and progression of CAA. Commonly occurring with Alzheimer’s disease, CAA causes ischemic strokes and brain bleeds that contribute to cognitive decline and dementia in older adults.

To date, the role of ApoE 4 in CAA has been studied primarily in mouse models. Van Nostrand’s next-generation rat model will provide a more accurate reflection of human disease. “We believe this work will not only lead to a more complete understanding of the pathological mechanisms that promote and exacerbate CAA, but this study will also provide a valuable preclinical model for biomarker development and therapeutic testing,” says Van Nostrand.

The $402,000 grant, which provides $201,250 for the first year and will continue a second year based on progress, began on April 4.