Deposition pattern and amino acid sequence analysis of amyloid-β in Felidae species

Abstract

Amyloid β (Aβ) deposition is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Humans and many animal species have identical Aβ amino acid sequences and develop senile plaques. Domestic and leopard cats have a unique Aβ sequence and show indistinct diffuse granular Aβ deposits in their brains. We aimed to elucidate whether these characteristics are conserved among Felidae species. The Aβ amino acid sequence and deposition pattern were conserved among Felidae species. Aβ deposits were also found in the cerebral vascular walls. Colocalization of apolipoprotein E and Aβ was observed in the parenchyma and cerebral vascular walls. These results support previous findings that a unique Aβ amino acid sequence may have a significant effect on the aggregation properties of this protein in Felidae.