UCLA

Apolipoprotein D (ApoD) is a prominent age related gene with an ancient genetic history with numerous homologs. It has been shown to be expressed and functional in both the developing and aging brain, maintaining neural health, and providing resistance to oxidative stress. Yet despite both its ancient nature and seeming necessity, organisms have been found to display varying expression patterns at different age points and among different organisms, including sexually dimorphic expression. In this study, we investigated the expression of ApoD in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) across several regions of the brain. We found upregulation of ApoD across the brain during early stages of development, the largest increase observed within the cerebellum. Unlike what has been found in mammals, we observed no sex-differences in expression. These results suggest that while ApoD expressed in the development of the brain, there appear to be a variety of mechanisms that can control ApoD production among vertebrates.