Collagen VI protects neurons against Aβ toxicity

Amyloid-beta (A beta) peptides, widely presumed to cause Alzheimer's disease, increased mouse neuronal expression of collagen VI through a mechanism involving transforming growth factor signaling. Reduction of collagen VI augmented A beta neurotoxicity, whereas treatment of neurons with soluble collagen VI blocked the association of A beta oligomers with neurons, enhanced A beta aggregation and prevented neurotoxicity. These results identify collagen VI as an important component of the neuronal injury response and demonstrate its neuroprotective potential.