Deregulation of brain endothelial CD2AP in Alzheimer’s disease impairs Reelin-mediated neurovascular coupling

Abstract

AbstractCerebrovascular dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a major contributor to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). CD2-associated protein (CD2AP), an important predisposing factor for the disease, is enriched in the brain endothelium but the function of protein in the brain vasculature remains undefined. Here, we report that lower levels of CD2AP in brain vessels of human AD volunteers are associated with cognitive deficits. In awake mice, we show that brain endothelial CD2AP regulates cerebral blood flow during resting state and functional hyperemia. In the endothelium, CD2AP controls the levels and signaling of apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (ApoER2), a receptor activated by Reelin glycoprotein that is linked to memory function. Further, Reelin promotes brain vessel dilation and functional hyperemia and both effects are modulated by endothelial CD2AP. Finally, lower levels of ApoER2 in brain vessels are associated with vascular defects and cognitive dysfunction in AD individuals. Thus, deregulation of CD2AP impairs neurovascular coupling and harnessing the biology of the Reelin-ApoER2-CD2AP signaling axis in the brain endothelium may improve brain vascular dysfunction in AD patients.