Apolipoprotein E (ApoE), the predominant plasma lipoprotein involved in lipid transport and metabolism, functions as a ligand for cell surface receptors such as the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR, the very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDL receptor), and the celiac remnant receptor. GemPharmatech established ApoE knockout mice utilizing CRISPR and Cas9 technology and C57BL/6J background mice. Induction of a western diet increased both atherogenesis and the development of atherosclerosis in ApoE-deficient animals.
Strain: B6/JGpt-Apoeem1Cd82/Gpt
Number of lab animals: 5-10 per group, 3-8 groups
Experimental period: 8 weeks
Data Validation
1. Plasma Chol and LDL-C
Figure 1. Plasma cholesterol and LDL levels were increased in ApoE KO mice induced by WD.
2. Histopathology
Figure 2. Mice were fed a Western diet starting from 4 weeks of age. After 20 weeks, atherosclerotic plaques could be observed in the thoracic aorta wall by Oil red O staining.