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BACE overexpression alters the subcellular processing of APP and inhibits Abeta deposition in vivo.

Introducing mutations within the amyloid precursor protein (APP) that affect beta- and gamma-secretase cleavages results in amyloid plaque formation in vivo. However, the relationship between beta-amyloid deposition and the subcellular site of Abeta production is unknown. To determine the effect of increasing beta-secretase (BACE) activity on Abeta deposition, we generated transgenic mice overexpressing human BACE. Although modest overexpression enhanced amyloid deposition, high BACE overexpression inhibited amyloid formation despite increased beta-cleavage of APP. However, high BACE expression shifted the subcellular location of APP cleavage to the neuronal perikarya early in the secretory pathway. These results suggest that the production, clearance, and aggregation of Abeta peptides are highly dependent on the specific neuronal subcellular domain wherein Abeta is generated and highlight the importance of perikaryal versus axonal APP proteolysis in the development of Abeta amyloid pathology in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer Disease↗

G protein betagamma complex-mediated apoptosis by familial Alzheimer's disease mutant of APP.

In familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD), three missense mutations, V642I, V642F and V642G, that co-segregate with the disease phenotype have been discovered in the 695 amino acid form of the amyloid precursor protein APP. Expression of these mutants causes a COS cell NK1 clone to undergo pertussis toxin-sensitive apoptosis in an FAD trait-linked manner by activating the G protein Go, which consists of G alpha(o) and G betagamma subunits. We investigated which subunit was responsible for the induction of apoptosis by V642I APP in NK1 cells. In the same system, expression of mutationally activated G alpha(o) or G alpha(i) induced little apoptosis. Apoptosis by V642I APP was antagonized by the overexpression of the carboxy-terminal amino acids 495-689 of the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase-1, which blocks the specific functions of G betagamma. Co-transfection of G beta2gamma2 cDNAs, but not that of other G beta(x)gamma(z) (x = 1-3; z = 2, 3), induced DNA fragmentation in a manner sensitive to bcl-2. These data implicate G betagamma as a cell death mediator for the FAD-associated mutant of APP.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Regulation of Bcl-2 family proteins, neurotrophic factors, and APP processing in the neurorescue activity of propargylamine.

The anti-Parkinson drug, rasagiline (N-propargyl-(1R)-aminoindan) promotes neuronal survival, via neuroprotective activity related to its propargyl moiety (propargylamine). We have investigated the neurorescue effects of propargylamine, in a progressive neuronal death model, induced by long-term serum deprivation in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Propargylamine (0.1-10 microM) dose-dependently reduced the levels of the early apoptosis-associated phosphorylated protein, H2A-X (ser 139), as well as decreased the cleavage of caspase-3 and its substrate poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP). In addition, the compound markedly reversed the apoptotic effects induced by long-term serum withdrawal, including down-regulation of the antiapoptotic protein, Bcl-2, as well as up-regulation of the proapoptotic proteins, Bax, Bad, and Bim. Real-time RT-PCR demonstrated that propargylamine elevated gene expression levels of Bcl-2, and the neurotrophic factors glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and reduced Bax gene expression. Serum deprivation increased mRNA and protein levels of holo-amyloid precursor protein (APP), which was markedly decreased by propargylamine. This was accompanied by inducing the release of the nonamyloidogenic alpha-secretase form of soluble APP (sAPPalpha) into the medium. Similar effects on cell survival and APP regulation/processing were demonstrated for rasagiline. These results indicate that both rasagiline and propargylamine possess neurorescue activity, associated with regulation of Bcl-2 family proteins, neurotrophic factors, and APP metabolism.

Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor↗

Increased numbers of beta APP-immunoreactive neurones in the entorhinal cortex after head injury.

In a previous publication we hypothesized that Alzheimer's disease (AD) can be induced by the age-related increase in expression of beta-amyloid precursor protein (beta APP) in the medial temporal lobe. Head injury has also been identified as a risk factor for AD and as such, similarities should exist between the pathology found after head injury and the earliest stages of pathology in AD. In this study, we have quantified the number of beta APP-immunoreactive neurones in the medial temporal cortex (pre-alpha cells, layer II) of 13 head injured and 17 control patients. Significantly more beta APP immunoreactive neurones were observed in head injury cases (mean 18.4 per cluster) compared with controls (mean 13.4 per cluster, p < 0.05). These data provide a mechanism to explain how an environmental event such as head injury can generate the same molecular pathology (increased neuronal beta APP) as is found in the earliest stages of AD.

Adolescent↗

Mouse cortical neurones lacking APP show normal neurite outgrowth and survival responses in vitro.

We have cultured neurones from the developing cortex of mice that have had the amyloid precursor protein gene deleted (APP-null). Neurones cultured for a period of 24 h show similar neurite outgrowth and survival responses to wild-type neurones. Similar neurite outgrowth responses were also seen when neurones from APP-null mice were treated with a neurotrophic peptide derived from the APP sequence and compared with wild-type neurones. Finally, cortical cultures derived from APP-null mice showed similar survival responses to the toxic amyloid-beta peptide.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Aggressive behaviour in transgenic mice expressing APP is alleviated by serotonergic drugs.

Transgenic mouse strains were generated that overexpress human APP or clinical mutants of APP. All transgenic mouse strains that over-express APP displayed essentially the same phenotype of disturbed behaviour, differential glutamatergic responses, deficits in maintenance of long-term potentiation and premature death, but formation of amyloid plaques was seen in the highest expressing APP/London transgenic mice only. Apart from cognitive deficits, the APP transgenic mice were characterized by aggressive behaviour, which was pharmacologically alleviated with 8-OH-DPAT and buspirone, two serotonergic agonists. The atypical neuroleptic drug risperidone was equally active in this regard. The data establish an important aspect of the transgenic mice as experimental models for behavioural aspects of Alzheimer's disease, in addition to other early and late symptoms.

8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin↗

Mutational screening of APP gene in patients with early-onset Alzheimer disease utilizing mismatched PCR-RFLP.

To elucidate the frequency of mutations of the beta/A4 amyloid protein precursor (APP) gene in early-onset Alzheimer disease, we designed a mismatched PCR-RFLP that can identify all kinds of missense mutations at codon 717 in addition to the seven kinds of known mutations at exon 17. When we screened mutations at exon 17 utilizing this method and the double missense mutations at exon 16 of the APP gene by PCR-RFLP, no cases revealed mutations of the APP gene among 13 familial and 54 sporadic cases, except one family (OS-1) that had previously been reported and used as a positive control of APP717(Val-->Ile). Our results support the hypothesis that mutations in the APP gene are not major causes in early-onset Alzheimer disease.

Adult↗

APP substitutions V715F and L720P alter PS1 conformation and differentially affect Abeta and AICD generation.

The 37-43 amino acid Abeta peptide is the principal component of beta-amyloid deposits in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain, and is derived by serial proteolysis of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by beta- and gamma-secretase. gamma-Secretase also cleaves APP at Val50 in the Abeta numbering (epsilon cleavage), resulting in the release of a fragment called APP intracellular domain (AICD). The aim of this study was to determine whether amino acid substitutions in the APP transmembrane domain differentially affect Abeta and AICD generation. We found that the APPV715F substitution, which has been previously shown to dramatically decrease Abeta40 and Abeta42 while increasing Abeta38 levels, does not affect in vitro generation of AICD. Furthermore, we found that the APPL720P substitution, which has been previously shown to prevent in vitro generation of AICD, completely prevents Abeta generation. Using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) method, we next found that both the APPV715F and APPL720P substitutions significantly increase the distance between the N- and C-terminus of presenilin 1 (PS1), which has been proposed to contain the catalytic site of gamma-secretase. In conclusion, both APPV715F and APPL720P change PS1 conformation with differential effects on Abeta and AICD production.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

Amyloid beta/A4 precursor protein (APP) processing in lysosomes.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the formation of senile plaques, the main component of which is amyloid beta protein. The processing of the amyloid beta/A4 protein has been implicated in the pathogenesis of AD. We have reported cathepsin B as a candidate APP secretase. By using APP-transfected COS-1 cells, we determined that the putative APP secretase, lysosomal cathepsin B, is involved in the constitutive processing of the precursor molecule. Digestion experiments demonstrated that cathepsin B cleaves the APP molecule into two fragments with molecular masses 115 kDa and 9 kDa, representing presumptive proteolytic fragments of constitutive processing.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Regulation of APP processing by intra- and intercellular signals.

APP processing appears to be under complex regulation. This regulation is apparently important under both normal and pathological conditions. Of direct clinical interest is the observation that A beta formation can be regulated by various means. This raises the possibility that altered APP processing may cause an increase in A beta formation in AD, and suggests that it may be possible to regulate the production of A beta as a therapeutic approach in AD. As an example of the utility of the latter approach, consider a patient carrying the Swedish APP mutation. If it is true that the cause of AD in such a patient is due to increased A beta production, then decreasing A beta production should delay the onset of the disease. Even in individuals where increased A beta formation is not the cause of AD but there is some other causes, such as the presence of an allele of apolipoprotein E which causes A beta accumulation and hence synaptic loss, decreasing A beta formation may be beneficial. It is of course a very long way from in vitro experiments to therapy. The current emphasis on studying APP processing in vivo represents the next step towards this goal.

Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor↗

A transcriptionally [correction of transcriptively] active complex of APP with Fe65 and histone acetyltransferase Tip60.

Amyloid-beta precursor protein (APP), a widely expressed cell-surface protein, is cleaved in the transmembrane region by gamma-secretase. gamma-Cleavage of APP produces the extracellular amyloid beta-peptide of Alzheimer's disease and releases an intracellular tail fragment of unknown physiological function. We now demonstrate that the cytoplasmic tail of APP forms a multimeric complex with the nuclear adaptor protein Fe65 and the histone acetyltransferase Tip60. This complex potently stimulates transcription via heterologous Gal4- or LexA-DNA binding domains, suggesting that release of the cytoplasmic tail of APP by gamma-cleavage may function in gene expression.

Acetyltransferases↗

RFLP analysis for APP 717 mutations associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) has been shown to be associated with three distinct point mutations within the same codon of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene. The mutation identified in the Indiana kindred is a G-->T transversion at the first position of the codon for amino acid 717, resulting in a substitution of phenylalanine for valine in the APP protein. Screening of persons at risk for the APP Phe-717 mutation using a variation of the polymerase chain reaction identified nine positives among 34 tested. In addition, DNA from 145 FAD subjects were tested for the three known APP 717 mutations.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Correlation of statin-increased platelet APP ratios and reduced blood lipids in AD patients.

Platelets, like neurons, contain 120- to 130- and 110-kd amyloid precursor proteins (APPs). Their ratio is reduced in AD, further reductions correlating with reduced Mini-Mental Status Examination scores [r(11) = 0.69, p < 0.05]. As statins alter APP processing, platelet APPs were analyzed in patients with AD given anticholesterol drugs for 6 weeks. APP ratios increased [t(37) = -3.888, p = 0.0004], proportionally with reduced cholesterol [r(36) = -0.45, p = 0.005]. Longer trials may reveal slowed cognitive loss, validating this index.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Ultrastructural changes in rat adrenocortical cells produced by a 4-aminopyrazolopyrimidine (4-APP) dosage.

The relation between adrenal cholesterol synthesis and ultrastructural changes was studied in rat adrenal glands stimulated by 4-aminopyrazolopyrimidine (4-APP). Ultrastructural observations were focused on the inner fasciculata-reticularis (Zone I) and the outer fasciculata (Zone O) of the adrenal glands. Zone I in 4-APP-treated rat adrenals had increased tubules and vesicles in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrial enlargement and the accumulated osmiophilic lipid droplets. In contrast, Zone O of the 4-APP-treated rat adrenals showed a decrease in osmiophilic lipid droplets and no increase in any of the elements of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. These results are strong evidence that under 4-APP treatment cholesterol synthesis takes place in the increased smooth endoplasmic reticulum in Zone I cells. The functional status of the cells of the inner and outer zones of the adrenal cortex also is discussed.

Adenine↗

Implication of APP secretases in notch signaling.

Signaling via notch receptors and their ligands is an evolutionary ancient and highly conserved mechanism governing cell-fate decisions throughout the animal kingdom. Upon ligand binding, notch receptors are subject to a two-step proteolysis essential for signal transduction. First, the ectodomain is removed by an enzyme cleaving near the outer-membrane surface ("site2"). Consecutively, the notch intracellular domain is liberated by a second protease cutting within the transmembrane sequence ("site3"). The intracellular domain is then transferred to the nucleus to act as a transcriptional coactivator. The proteases involved in notch receptor activation are shared with other proteins undergoing regulated intramembrane proteolysis, with intriguing parallels to APP. Specifically, site3 cleavage of Notch, as well as gamma-secretase processing of APP depend both critically on presenilins 1 and 2. Moreover, ADAM 10 and ADAM 17, the proteases proposed to perform site2 cleavage, are also the most probable candidate alpha-secretases to cleave APP. While the biological significance of APP processing remains to be further elucidated, interference with notch signaling has been shown to have severe consequences both in small animal models as well as in humans. Thus, a growing number of long known genetic syndromes like Alagille syndrome or Fallot's tetralogy can be caused by mutations of genes relevant for the notch signaling pathway. Likewise, the anticipated interference of gamma-secretase inhibitors with site3 cleavage may turn out to be a major obstacle for this therapeutic approach to Alzheimer's disease.

ADAM Proteins↗

Reduction of trophic support enhances apoptosis in PC12 cells expressing Alzheimer's APP mutation and sensitizes cells to staurosporine-induced cell death.

Mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene are known as causative factors in the pathogenesis of early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD). In this study, the influence of the Swedish double-mutation form of APP (APPsw; KM670/671NL) on apoptosis regulation in PC12 cells was investigated. APPsw-transfected PC12 cells were compared with wild-type APP (APPwt)-expressing and vector-transfected PC12 cells with regard to their susceptibility to cell death induced by the reduction of trophic support or by additional treatment with staurosporine. Expression of APPsw markedly enhanced the level of apoptotic PC12 cells induced by serum reduction. A similar hypersensitivity of APPsw-expressing PC12 cells could be detected after differentiation with nerve growth factor under serum-reduced conditions. Likewise, the expression of APPsw rendered PC12 cells more vulnerable to staurosporine but only under serum-reduced conditions. This APPsw-effect disappeared in high serum-containing medium. Thus, expression of APPsw seems to enhance cellular sensitivity not in general but after the reduction of trophic factors probably by causing oxidative stress. This, in turn, may sensitize cells to secondary apoptotic stimuli. Moreover, the mutation-specific increase in vulnerability to cell death was only seen at the stage of apoptotic nuclei, but not using methods measuring cell death by determining metabolic activity or membrane integrity. Therefore, the expression of APPsw seems to affect specifically apoptotic cell death rather than overall cell death in vitro. Our study further emphasizes the pathogenic role of mutant APP and may provide new insights in the mechanisms underlying the massive neurodegeneration in brain from patients bearing the APPsw mutation.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Tau phosphorylation in Alzheimer's disease: potential involvement of an APP-MAP kinase complex.

The two predominant pathological concomitants of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Although many biochemical studies have addressed the composition and formation of these AD hallmarks, very little is known about the interrelationship between the two. Here we present evidence that the tau phosphorylation characteristic of neurofibrillary tangles may be mediated by a physical association of MKK6 (mitogen-associated protein kinase kinase 6) with tau and subsequent phosphorylation of tau by the MKK6 substrate, p38 MAPK; and that APP (beta-amyloid precursor protein) may be co-immunoprecipitated both with MKK6 and its upstream MAPKKK, ASK1. Taken together with recent data demonstrating APP dimerization by beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta) (Lu et al., 2003), and the possible activation of ASK1 via APP dimerization (Hashimoto et al., 2003), these results suggest a model of AD in which Abeta peptide dimerizes APP directly, leading to the activation of ASK1, MKK6, and p38, with subsequent phosphorylation of tau at sites characteristic of AD.

Aged↗

The decrement of muscarinic receptor-mediated calcium influx by overexpression of APP in a mouse cholinergic cell line.

The effects of beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) overexpressing on cell metabolisms of cholinergic neuronal hybridoma cell line (SN49) were examined. The cells stably overexpressing APP contained higher amount of GTP binding protein Go and cytosolic inactive protein kinase C epsilon, and showed less Ca2+ influx through muscarinic acetylcholine receptor ml compared to original and mock cells which had been transfected with a vector alone. The contents of sn-1, 2-diacylglycerol and cyclic AMP were also reduced in the APP transfectants, although the similar changes were observed in the mock cells. These findings strongly suggest that the overexpression of APP affect the transient receptor-mediated ion channel and calcium-related cell metabolisms in neuronal cells.

Acetylcholine↗