Clusterin (CLU) is a major inflammatory-related apolipoprotein (Apolipoprotein J; ApoJ) that is expressed in all mammalian tissues. Clusterin may play a protective role against apoptosis, cell damage, or oxidative stress. Clusterin expression has been found to be upregulated in the brains of AD patients.154 Animal models have suggested it might be secreted with soluble Abeta. Clusterin can act as a molecular chaperon, which might prevent Abeta oligomerization and fibrillization.151 GWASs have determined a strong association between CLU mutations (located on chromosome 8) and LOAD. Additionally, a significant association has been found between the APOE E4 allele and CLU mutations.154,155
