Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “app”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 433 records · Page 24Linked to original sources

Expression of c-Fos and c-Myc and deposition of beta-APP in neurons in the adult rat brain as a result of exposure to short-lasting impulse noise.

There is increasing evidence that impulse noise causes brain damage, but little is known about the mechanisms and extent of the response. Here, rat brains were investigated immunohistochemically for the expression of c-Fos, c-Myc, and beta-APP during the first 3 weeks postexposure to impulse noise of 198 or 202 dB. The expression of c-Fos and c-Myc increased at 2 h after exposure in neurons of the cerebral cortex, thalamus, and hippocampus, and this c-Fos immunoreactivity remained elevated for the entire observation period. The c-Myc immunoreactivity peaked at 18 h in both neurons and astrocytes but returned to control levels at 7 days. Abnormal deposition of beta-APP was evident within 6 h in the same brain regions. The beta-APP immunoreactivity was most prominent at 18 h and remained increased over the 21-day period assessed. The observed effects were similar to those described in humans following traumatic brain injury and in Alzheimer's disease. We conclude that impulse noise influences the brain in a fashion similar to that in cases with progressive CNS degeneration.

Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor↗

A new pathogenic mutation in the APP gene (I716V) increases the relative proportion of A beta 42(43).

We report a novel mutation in the amyloid precursor protein gene (APP I716V) which probably leads to familial early onset Alzheimer's disease with an onset age in the mid 50s. Cells transfected with cDNAs bearing this mutation produce more A beta 1-42(43) than those transfected with wild-type APP and this effect is additive with that of the previously reported APP V717I mutation thus providing a novel approach for further increasing A beta 1-42(43) in model systems.

Age of Onset↗

The expression of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) is regulated by two GC-elements in the promoter.

The structure of the promoter of the human APP gene resembles that of housekeeping genes, with the presence of a GC-rich region and the lack of a canonical TATA box. Since analysis of the expression of the APP gene, especially at the transcriptional level, might reveal factors or elements, which influence amyloid formation in Alzheimer's disease, a 5' deletion analysis of the APP promoter was performed, leading to the identification of an activating DNA fragment (Ac), acting also on a heterologous promoter. DNaseI-footprint analysis revealed three protected regions on the Ac fragment. Further gene transfer experiments showed, that at least two elements, designated A and C, confer transcriptional activity in HeLa cells. Whereas the proximal element A is a 19bp long GC-rich DNA sequence, the distal element C is a GC-palindrome with the sequence 5'GCGGCGCCGC.

Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor↗

Transcriptional regulation of APH-1A and increased gamma-secretase cleavage of APP and Notch by HIF-1 and hypoxia.

The proteolytic cleavage of Alzheimer beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) and signaling receptor Notch is mediated by the PS/gamma-secretase complex, which consists of presenilins, nicastrin, APH-1, and PEN-2. Although the four components are known to coordinately regulate each other at the protein level, information regarding their transcription regulation is scarce. Here we characterized the 5'-flanking region of the human APH-1A gene and identified a 271-bp fragment containing the transcription initiation site for the promoter activity. Sequence analysis, mutagenesis, and gel shift studies revealed a binding of AP4 and HIF-1 to the promoter, which affects the promoter activity. Activation of HIF-1 by short-term NiCl2 treatments (a condition of chemical hypoxia) dramatically increased APH-1A mRNA and protein expression, accompanied by increased secretion of Abeta and decreased APP CTFs formation, indicative of an increase in gamma-secretase activity. NiCl2 treatments had little effect on APP and the other three components of the gamma-secretase complex. The cellular concentration of Notch intracellular domain (NICD) was also increased by the hypoxic treatment. Our results demonstrate that APH-1A expression and the gamma-secretase mediated Abeta and Notch NICD generation are regulated by HIF-1, and the specific control of APH-1A expression may imply physiological functions uniquely assigned to APH-1A.

Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases↗

Carboxyl-terminal fragment of Alzheimer's APP destabilizes calcium homeostasis and renders neuronal cells vulnerable to excitotoxicity.

Numerous lines of evidence indicate that some of the neurotoxicity associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is due to proteolytic fragments of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Most research has focused on the amyloid beta peptide (Abeta). However, the possible role of other cleaved products of APP is less clear. We have previously shown that a recombinant carboxy-terminal 105 amino acid fragment (CT 105) of APP induced strong nonselective inward currents in Xenopus oocyte; it also revealed neurotoxicity in PC12 cells and primary cortical neurons, blocked later phase of long-term potentiation in rat hippocampus in vivo, and induced memory deficits and neuropathological changes in mice. We report here that the pretreatment with CT 105 for 24 h at a 10 microM concentration increases intracellular calcium concentration by about twofold in SK-N-SH and PC 12 cells, but not in U251 cells, originated from human glioblastoma. In addition, the calcium increase and toxicity induced by CT 105 were reduced by cholesterol and MK 801 in SK-N-SH and PC 12 cells, whereas the toxicity of Abeta(1-42) was attenuated by nifedipine and verapamil. CT 105 rendered SK-N-SH cells and rat primary cortical neurons more vulnerable to glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. Also, conformational studies using circular dichroism experiments showed that CT 105 has approximately 15% of beta-sheet content in phosphate buffer and aqueous 2,2, 2-trifluoroethanol solutions. However, the content of beta-sheet conformation in dodecyl phosphocholine micelle or in the negatively charged vesicles, is increased to 22%-23%. The results of this study showed that CT 105 disrupts calcium homeostasis and renders neuronal cells more vulnerable to glutamate-induced excitotoxicity, and that some portion of CT 105 has partial beta-sheet conformation in various environments, which may be related to the self-aggregation and toxicity. This may be significantly possibly involved in inducing the neurotoxicity characteristic of AD.

Amyloid beta-Peptides↗

Abeta levels in serum, CSF and brain, and cognitive deficits in APP + PS1 transgenic mice.

We compared beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta) levels in the serum, CSF and brain (hippocampus) and correlated these with spatial learning in APP+PS1 transgenic mice. Compared with non-transgenic littermates, male 14-month-old APP + PS1 mice were impaired in spatial learning in the water maze. Among the APP + PS1 mice, only the hippocampal insoluble Abeta42 level correlated with spatial memory (r = -0.44). The levels of insoluble Abeta40 and Abeta42 were highly correlated (r = 0.92), and also correlated with soluble hippocampal Abeta42 (r = 0.64/0.69), which further correlated with the CSF Abeta42 (r = 0.52). None of these parameters correlated with serum Abeta40 levels. These findings support the role of insoluble Abeta42 in memory dysfunction and suggest a model with several pools (insoluble, extracellular soluble, CSF) of Abeta being in partial equilibrium with each other.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Glutamate transporter alterations in Alzheimer disease are possibly associated with abnormal APP expression.

Recent studies have shown that deficient functioning of glutamate transporters (GTs) in Alzheimer disease (AD) might lead to neurodegeneration. The main objectives of the present study were to determine which GT subtype is most affected in AD and to asses to what extent altered GT function is associated with abnormal amyloid precursor protein (APP) expression. While EAAT2-immunoreactivity (IR) was decreased in AD frontal cortex, EAAT1- and EAAT3-IR were unaffected; mRNA levels for all 3 GTs were not affected. Decreased EAAT2-IR was associated with decreased GT activity. EAAT2-IR inversely correlated with EAAT2 mRNA levels, suggesting that in AD, GT expression alterations occur due to disturbance at the post-transcriptional level. EAAT2-IR was inversely correlated with APP770 mRNA. In addition, GT activity directly correlated with APP695 mRNA and total APP protein levels, and inversely correlated with APP751/770 mRNA levels. This study supports the notion that astroglial EAAT2 is affected in AD and abnormal functioning and/or processing of APP might play an important role in this process.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Axonal damage revealed by accumulation of beta-APP in HIV-positive individuals without AIDS.

The presence of neuropsychological disturbances in HIV-positive, pre-symptomatic individuals is a controversial issue. Neuroimaging studies have not shown brain atrophy or hyperintensity in the white matter, whereas proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy has revealed some abnormality of cerebral biochemistry. Using an antibody to beta-amyloid precursor protein (beta-APP), we previously demonstrated frequent and widespread axonal changes in the brains of AIDS patients. In this study, we extended the use of beta-APP to asymptomatic patients in order to establish a possible morphological correlation with neuropsychological disorders. Brain samples from 29 patients were examined. Results showed bundles of beta-APP-positive axons in 8/29 cases (27%). The changes, seen in both superficial and deep white matter, were either focal or diffuse, could not be visualized by silver or ubiquitin stains, and did not coexist with any change in distribution or morphology of astrocytes and microglial cells. We conclude that in HIV-positive asymptomatic individuals, axonal changes: (a) may be related to the state of immune activation with consequent presence of toxic substances, including cytokines, observed in these patients; (b) may represent mild changes that could undergo repair, unless other pathological events, such as the supervening of the AIDS stage and the specific encephalitis, make them permanent.

Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor↗

Intracellular APP processing and A beta production in Alzheimer disease.

Senile plaques composed of A beta peptides are a histopathological hallmark of Alzheimer disease (AD). A role for A beta in the etiology of AD has been argued from analysis of mutations associated with a subset of early-onset familial AD (FAD). Expression of autosomal dominant mutations in the genes for the amyloid precursor protein (APP), presenilin 1 (PS1), and presenilin 2 (PS2) in affected patients, cultured cells, or transgenic mice leads to increased production of total A beta or increased production of A beta ending at residue 42 (A beta42). Since A beta42 is the more amyloidogenic and toxic species in vitro and is the major component of amyloid senile plaques in vivo, overproduction of this peptide may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of AD. Thus, an understanding of the production of A beta within the cell in normal and pathological conditions is critical to understanding early events in AD. Studies in cell culture have established that processing of APP to form A beta can occur at multiple locations within the cell and leads to the production of 2 pools of A beta: a secreted pool composed predominantly of A beta40 and a nonsecreted, intracellular pool composed preferentially of more amyloidogenic A beta42. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of our current understanding of APP processing in the generation of the secreted and intracellular pools of A beta and to propose a model linking the intracellular pool to the formation of extracellular plaques and neuronal pathology in AD.

Alzheimer Disease↗

The role of beta-amyloid precursor protein (beta-APP) staining in the neuropathologic evaluation of sudden infant death and in the initiation of clinical investigations of subsequent siblings.

This report highlights the importance of undertaking immunohistochemical staining of the brains of infants who die unexpectedly, as it may not only assist with the evaluation of the cause of death in an individual infant but may also help with the clinical management of subsequent siblings. A 5-month-old male infant who died suddenly was found to have diffuse beta-amyloid precursor protein (beta-APP) staining in the brain, with no unusual features in his history, death scene examination, routine autopsy dissection, and ancillary tests to suggest any definite cause of death. Due to the beta-APP staining, the possibility of previous episodes of occult trauma, apparent life threatening events (ALTEs), and accidental or inflicted suffocation was raised in the autopsy report. As detailed analyses and investigations provided no supportive evidence for trauma or inflicted injury, hypoxia was clinically considered the most likely cause. Because of these concerns, sleeping oxygen saturation levels were monitored following the birth of a subsequent sibling who had normal APGAR scores and no evidence of any health problems. Oxygen desaturation to 70% occurred in association with a color change while on the postnatal ward, and a subsequent polysomnogram showed multiple episodic significant desaturations to around 80% in association with central apnea. Other testing was unremarkable. These cases demonstrate that beta-APP staining of the brain may not only provide clues as to possible mechanisms of death in pediatric forensic cases but may indicate a need for careful clinical evaluation of subsequent siblings for possible central apnea requiring oxygen therapy.

Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor↗

Lack of point mutation of the APP gene in sporadic Alzheimer's disease in Japanese.

We investigated point mutations of the APP gene in 66 patients with sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 180 normal individuals by use of the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) method. Both the AD patients and the normal individuals were Japanese. We extracted DNA from blood samples using the phenol-chloroform method and amplified exons 16 and 17 of the APP gene by PCR. PCR products were digested by MBO-II (exon 16) and BCL-1(exon 17). Electrophoresis was carried out with 3% agarose gel and the separated fragments were stained with ethidium bromide. In addition we investigated other point mutations of exons 16 and 17 by use of the PCR-SSCP (single stranded conformation polymorphisms) method, and found no fragments that exhibited point mutations in the AD patients and normal individuals. These findings indicate that the presence of point mutation of the APP gene is not a major cause of AD in the Japanese population.

Aged↗

Mice homozygous for a modified beta-amyloid precursor protein (beta APP) gene show impaired behavior and high incidence of agenesis of the corpus callosum.

The amyloid precursor protein (beta APP) gene of the mouse was disrupted by homologous recombination; however, contrary to expectation, brain and other tissues still contained beta APP-specific RNA, albeit at a level 5-10 fold lower than wild-type and lacking the disrupted exon, which had been spliced out. The brain contained shortened beta APP-specific protein at a low level. Mutant mice were severely impaired in spatial learning and exploratory behavior and showed increased incidence of agenesis of the corpus callosum.

Agenesis of Corpus Callosum↗

Presenilin function in APP processing.

Familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) is now linked to at least three genes encoding the amyloid precursor protein (APP) on chromosome 21, and presenilin 1 and 2 on chromosome 14 and 1, respectively. FAD cases in whom presenilin mutations occur are more frequent than those with APP mutations. However, altogether they only account for approximately 0.1% of all the people suffering from Alzheimer's disease (AD), and the causes of the remaining 99.9% of the sporadic form of AD or senile dementia remain unknown. Since FAD presents with the same neuropathological features as sporadic AD, i.e., cognitive impairments and the amyloid plaques and tangles in the brain, our working hypothesis is that similar molecular pathogenic mechanisms underly both sporadic and familial AD. It follows that APP and the presenilins must be key players in the disease. Detailed knowledge about the cell biology of these proteins will be a rich source of insight into the pathology of AD, but will also shed light on the fundamental neurobiology of these proteins.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Modulation of A beta deposition in APP transgenic mice by an apolipoprotein E null background.

Several lines of evidence implicate apolipoprotein E (apoE) and its receptor--the low density lipoprotein receptor related protein (LRP)--in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis, including increased amyloid deposition in human AD brains of people containing the apoE epsilon 4 allele, presence of apoE and LRP in amyloid plaques, and in vitro uptake of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and amyloid beta protein (A beta) by LRP. Studies of crosses of apoE knockout mice with APP transgenic mice support a complex interaction between apoE and A beta deposition. In the Tg2576 mice expressing human APPK670N-M671L, apoE determines the amount, morphology, vascular pattern, and neuropil response to A beta deposits. In the PDAPP mice expressing human APPV717F, apoE also affects the anatomical localization of cerebral A beta deposits. Thus, APP transgenic mice can serve as models to investigate genetic influences on the amount and timing of cerebral amyloidosis, the morphology of amyloid plaques, and the vulnerability of specific neuroanatomical regions to A beta deposition.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Enhanced neurofibrillary degeneration in transgenic mice expressing mutant tau and APP.

JNPL3 transgenic mice expressing a mutant tau protein, which develop neurofibrillary tangles and progressive motor disturbance, were crossed with Tg2576 transgenic mice expressing mutant beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP), thus modulating the APP-Abeta (beta-amyloid peptide) environment. The resulting double mutant (tau/APP) progeny and the Tg2576 parental strain developed Abeta deposits at the same age; however, relative to JNPL3 mice, the double mutants exhibited neurofibrillary tangle pathology that was substantially enhanced in the limbic system and olfactory cortex. These results indicate that either APP or Abeta influences the formation of neurofibrillary tangles. The interaction between Abeta and tau pathologies in these mice supports the hypothesis that a similar interaction occurs in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer Disease↗

No founder effect in three novel Alzheimer's disease families with APP 717 Val-->Ile mutation. Clerget-darpoux. French Alzheimer's Disease Study Group.

We sequenced exons 16 and 17 of the APP (amyloid precursor protein) gene in 18 unrelated French Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. These patients had an onset before the age of 60 and belonged to families with autosomal dominant transmission of the disease. We detected the APP 717 Val-->Ile mutation in three out of 18 (16.6%) families. In these three families, all affected subjects had the APOE 3/3 genotype, but their ages of onset ranged from 38 to 60 years, indicating that factors other than the APOE genotype influence age of onset. Analysis of two polymorphic loci adjacent to the APP gene showed that at least two independent mutational events had occurred within these pedigrees, in spite of their origin in the same region of France.

Adult↗

The creatine kinase/creatine connection to Alzheimer's disease: CK-inactivation, APP-CK complexes and focal creatine deposits.

Cytosolic brain-type creatine kinase (BB-CK), which is coexpressed with ubiquitous mitochondrial uMtCK, is significantly inactivated by oxidation, in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Since CK has been shown to play a fundamental role in cellular energetics of the brain, any disturbance of this enzyme may exasperate the AD disease process. Mutations in amyloid precursor protein (APP) are associated with early onset AD and result in abnormal processing of APP, and accumulation of A beta peptide, the main constituent of amyloid plaques in AD brain. Recent data on a direct interaction between APP and the precursor of uMtCK support an emerging relationship between AD, cellular energy levels and mitochondrial function. In addition, recently discovered creatine (Cr) deposits in the brain of transgenic AD mice, as well as in the hippocampus from AD patients, indicate a direct link between perturbed energy state, Cr metabolism and AD. Here, we review the roles of Cr and Cr-related enzymes and consider the potential value of supplementation with Cr, a potent neuroprotective substance. As a hypothesis, we consider whether Cr, if given at an early time point of the disease, may prevent or delay the course of AD-related neurodegeneration.

Journal Article↗