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The effect of C-terminus and N-terminus iodination on avian pancreatic polypeptide (APP) binding to its chicken brain receptor.

In previous studies, membranes from chicken gastrointestinal tissues failed to bind appreciable levels of 125I-APP labeled at the C-terminus. In order to address the suggestion that this was due to steric hindrance of the critical C-terminus, N-terminally labeled 125I-APP was utilized in in vitro membrane binding assays. Membranes from chicken cerebellum and spleen specifically bound N-terminally iodinated APP, while those from gastrointestinal tissues including pancreas, mucosal and muscle layers of duodenum and proventriculus did not. Cerebral cortex membranes also failed to specifically bind Bolton-Hunter labeled 125I-APP. Liver membranes, which previously were shown to bind C-terminally iodinated APP with low affinity, also did not specifically bind N-terminally labeled preparations. It is concluded that the inability of membranes from gastrointestinal tissues and brain regions other than cerebellum to bind 125I-APP is not an artifact of location of iodine placement on the molecule and that both the N- and C-termini may be important for receptor binding. It is also concluded that liver APP binding sites may be structurally distinct from those in the cerebellum, and that gastrointestinal tissues may not be direct targets for APP action.

Animals↗

Increased levels of the Kunitz protease inhibitor-containing beta APP mRNAs in rat brain following neurotoxic damage.

Deposits of beta-amyloid are one of the main pathological characteristics of Alzheimer's disease. The beta-amyloid peptide (or beta/A4) constituent of these deposits is derived from the beta-amyloid precursor protein (beta APP), which is expressed in several isoforms. It has been suggested that an imbalance in the normal ratio between the Kunitz protease inhibitor (KPI)-containing beta APPs versus the non containing forms could result in altered processing of beta APP and progressive beta/A4 deposition. We have studied the expression of four beta APP isoforms in the rat brain after intracerebroventricular application of kainic acid. Increased levels of the KPI-containing beta APP and GFAP mRNAs were observed in tissues surrounding areas of neuronal damage. A parallel increase of beta APP and GFAP immunoreactivity was observed in reactive astrocytes in these areas. These results suggest that the normal ratio of beta APP isoforms may be profoundly altered as a result of neuronal damage and that non-neuronal cells may respond to neuronal injury by increased expression of the KPI-containing beta APP isoforms.

Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor↗

APP-695 transcript prevalence is selectively reduced during Alzheimer's disease in cortex and hippocampus but not in cerebellum.

We previously found a selective loss of the brain specific APP-695 transcript in Alzheimer's disease (AD) cortex, which results in a 2.5-fold increase in the APP-751/APP-695 transcript ratio in AD (9). Here we report a similar increase in APP-751/APP-695 mRNA ratio in AD hippocampus. However, the cerebellum had a 6-fold lower ratio, which does not change in AD. The APP-695 mRNA species is greatly decreased (3-4-fold) in mRNA from AD cortex and hippocampus, whereas the APP-751 mRNA species is essentially unchanged. Considering hippocampal neuron loss and cortical neuron loss and atrophy, the data presented may be compatible with increased APP-751 mRNA and decreased APP-695 mRNA prevalence in remaining neurons in AD. A possible relationship between a high APP-751/APP-695 ratio and amyloid pathology is discussed.

Adult↗

Smartphone apps for obesity management: A systematic review using self-determination theory.

BACKGROUND: While bariatric surgery and pharmacotherapy are effective treatments for obesity, ongoing supportive care remains a challenge. Smartphone applications (apps) may assist with symptom management, but their effectiveness and practical use in obesity treatment is unclear. This review evaluated the effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility of these apps in supporting individuals following obesity treatment. To better understand how these apps may promote sustained engagement and behaviour change, their design was analysed using Self-Determination Theory (SDT). METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and CENTRAL databases. Eligible studies included randomised and non-randomised interventions involving adults (≥18 years) with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) who had undergone bariatric surgery or pharmacotherapy. Interventions had to include an app designed to support post-treatment symptom management. Findings were synthesised narratively, and app features were mapped to SDT constructs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. RESULTS: Five studies (three RCTs, two cohort studies) involving 1,133 participants were included (female: 78 %; median age: 47.63 years). Most apps targeted post-bariatric surgery care; only one focused on pharmacotherapy. Common features included tracking, reminders, and education, supporting autonomy and competence. Relatedness features such as communication and peer support were least represented. Two studies reported improvements in weight-related outcomes and one in medication adherence. Effects on quality of life, self-efficacy, and healthcare utilisation were not significant. Patient satisfaction was reported in one study, with 95 % expressing positive feedback, though formal assessments of feasibility and acceptability were limited. CONCLUSION: Smartphone apps show potential to support obesity management, particularly after bariatric surgery. While some evidence suggests benefits for weight loss and adherence outcomes, the limited studies and variability of reporting prevent conclusive observations in other outcomes. Future app development should integrate behavioural theory to address psychological needs, nutritional risks and promote holistic self-management beyond weight control.

Female↗

Alzheimer-associated APP+1 transgenic mice: frameshift beta-amyloid precursor protein is secreted in cerebrospinal fluid without inducing neuropathology.

Biomarkers present in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of Alzheimer Disease patients could be instrumental in guiding diagnosis and monitoring of progression of the disease. We have previously reported on the secretion of a frameshifted form of amyloid-beta precursor protein, APP+1, into the CSF of Alzheimer patients and controls. APP+1 is secreted efficiently in controls, but during the progression of Alzheimer Disease, its secretion is reduced and APP+1 accumulates in tangle-bearing neurons. Here we describe the generation of a transgenic mouse line expressing APP+1 in the brain. These mice do not suffer from overt pathology or neurodegeneration, suggesting that APP+1 is not neurotoxic. To measure APP+1 levels in the CSF, we serially sampled CSF from the cisterna magna in the same mouse over a period of months. Indeed, APP+1 is secreted into the CSF of the transgenic mice, and APP+1 levels are stable over 1 year. This mouse model may guide the study of secretion deficits as found in Alzheimer Disease.

Alzheimer Disease↗

A key role for the microglial NADPH oxidase in APP-dependent killing of neurons.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and deposition of cleaved products of amyloid precursor protein (APP) are thought to contribute to neuronal loss observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The relationship between these factors was studied in a neuroblastoma and microglia co-culture system. Overexpression of wild-type APP (APP-wt) or APP with three mutations typical of familial AD (APP-3m) in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells did not directly alter their morphology, growth rate, cell cycle or H(2)O(2) sensitivity. In a co-culture of APP-wt neuroblastoma cells with microglia, microglial cells generated ROS and neuronal cells died. The cell death was more pronounced in APP-3m-expressing neurons. Neuroblastoma cell death was attenuated by ROS-scavengers and was dose-dependently inhibited by the NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI). Macrophage cell lines behaved similarly to microglia in the co-culture model. However, a macrophage cell line deficient in the NADPH oxidase subunit, gp91phox, failed to kill neurons. These results suggest that APP-dependent microglia activation and subsequent ROS generation by the phagocyte NADPH oxidase play a crucial role in neuronal killing in a cellular model of AD.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Expression of the gene encoding the beta-amyloid precursor protein APP in Xenopus laevis.

The beta-amyloid precursor protein APP is generally accepted to be directly or indirectly involved in the neurodegenerative disorder Alzheimer's disease and has been extensively studied in a number of mammalian systems. Its normal function remains, however, still elusive. We have used the clawed toad, Xenopus laevis, to study the first non-mammalian APP protein. Screening of a Xenopus laevis intermediate pituitary cDNA library led to the identification of two structurally different APP gene transcripts presumably resulting from duplicated genes. Sequence comparison between the Xenopus and human APP proteins revealed at the amino acid sequence level an identity of 92%. Both Xenopus genes were found to be expressed in all tissues examined, but their expression levels differed among tissues. In addition, as in mammals, alternative splicing was observed and the alternatively spliced APP(695) mRNA variant was expressed predominantly in the brain and the oocyte, while the longer isoforms (APP(751-770)) were predominant in the other tissues examined. Of special interest is the finding that, like human but unlike mouse or rat beta-amyloid (Abeta), the Xenopus peptide contains all amino acid residues implicated in amyloidogenesis. We conclude that Xenopus APP mRNA is ubiquitously expressed and alternatively spliced, and that the highly conserved Xenopus APP protein contains an Abeta peptide with amyloidogenic potency.

Alternative Splicing↗

gamma-Secretase cleavage and binding to FE65 regulate the nuclear translocation of the intracellular C-terminal domain (ICD) of the APP family of proteins.

Regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP) of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) produces amyloid beta-protein (Abeta), the probable causative agent of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and is therefore an important target for therapeutic intervention. However, there is a burgeoning consensus that gamma-secretase, one of the proteases that generates Abeta, is also critical for the signal transduction of APP and a growing list of other receptors. APP is a member of a gene family that includes two amyloid precursor-like proteins, APLP1 and APLP2. Although APP and the APLPs undergo similar proteolytic processing, there is little information about the role of their gamma-secretase-generated intracellular domains (ICDs). Here, we show that APLP1 and 2 undergo presenilin-dependent RIP similar to APP, resulting in the release of a approximately 6 kDa ICD for each protein. Each of the ICDs are degraded by an insulin degrading enzyme-like activity, but they can be stabilized by members of the FE65 family and translocate to the nucleus. Given that modulation of APP processing is a therapeutic target and that the APLPs are processed in a manner similar to APP, any strategy aimed at altering APP proteolysis will have to take into account possible effects on signaling by APLP 1 and 2.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The amyloid precursor protein-binding protein APP-BP1 drives the cell cycle through the S-M checkpoint and causes apoptosis in neurons.

APP-BP1 binds to the amyloid precursor protein (APP) carboxyl-terminal domain. Recent work suggests that APP-BP1 participates in a novel ubiquitinylation-related pathway involving the ubiquitin-like molecule NEDD8. We show here that, in vivo in mammalian cells, APP-BP1 interacts with hUba3, its presumptive partner in the NEDD8 activation pathway, and that the APP-BP1 binding site for hUba3 is within amino acids 443-479. We also provide evidence that the human APP-BP1 molecule can rescue the ts41 mutation in Chinese hamster cells. This mutation previously has been shown to lead to successive S phases of the cell cycle without intervening G(2), M, and G(1), suggesting that the product of this gene negatively regulates entry into the S phase and positively regulates entry into mitosis. We show that expression of APP-BP1 in ts41 cells drives the cell cycle through the S-M checkpoint and that this function requires both hUba3 and hUbc12. Overexpression of APP-BP1 in primary neurons causes apoptosis via the same pathway. A specific caspase-6 inhibitor blocks this apoptosis. These findings are discussed in the context of abnormalities in the cell cycle that have been observed in Alzheimer's disease.

Animals↗

The amyloidogenic pathway of amyloid precursor protein (APP) is independent of its cleavage by caspases.

Amyloid beta-protein (A beta) is the main constituent of senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease and is derived by proteolysis from the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Generation and secretion of both A beta 40 and A beta 42 isoforms depend largely on internalization of APP and occurs mainly in the endocytic pathway. Evidence has also been presented (Gervais, F. G., Xu, D., Robertson, G. S., Vaillancourt, J. P., Zhu, Y., Huang, J., LeBlanc, A., Smith, D., Rigby, M., Shearman, M. S., Clarke, E. E., Zheng, H., Van der Ploeg, L. H. T., Ruffolo, S. C., Thornberry, N. A., Xanthoudakis, S., Zamboni, R. J., Roy, S., and Nicholson, D. W. (1999) Cell, 97, 395--406) that caspase cleavage of APP at its cytosolic tail affects its processing such that it is redirected to a more amyloidogenic pathway, resulting in enhanced A beta generation. However, caspase cleavage of APP also results in loss of its endocytosis signal (YENP), an event that would predict a decline in internalization and a concomitant decrease, not an increase, in A beta generation. In the present work, we examined whether caspase cleavage of APP is relevant to amyloidogenesis. We found that 1) caspase cleavage of APP results in reduced internalization and, accordingly, a decline in A beta secretion; 2) masking of the caspase site in APP did not affect A beta levels and, 3) caspase activation in cells by serum withdrawal did not increase A beta secretion. Thus, caspase cleavage of APP is unlikely to play a direct role in amyloidogenesis.

Alzheimer Disease↗

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) of Alzheimer disease and its paralog, APLP2, modulate the Cu/Zn-Nitric Oxide-catalyzed degradation of glypican-1 heparan sulfate in vivo.

Processing of the recycling proteoglycan glypican-1 involves the release of its heparan sulfate chains by copper ion- and nitric oxide-catalyzed ascorbate-triggered autodegradation. The Alzheimer disease amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its paralogue, the amyloid precursor-like protein 2 (APLP2), contain copper ion-, zinc ion-, and heparan sulfate-binding domains. We have investigated the possibility that APP and APLP2 regulate glypican-1 processing during endocytosis and recycling. By using cell-free biochemical experiments, confocal laser immunofluorescence microscopy, and flow cytometry of tissues and cells from wild-type and knock-out mice, we find that (a) APP and glypican-1 colocalize in perinuclear compartments of neuroblastoma cells, (b) ascorbate-triggered nitric oxidecatalyzed glypican-1 autodegradation is zinc ion-dependent in the same cells, (c) in cell-free experiments, APP but not APLP2 stimulates glypican-1 autodegradation in the presence of both Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions, whereas the Cu(I) form of APP and the Cu(II) and Cu(I) forms of APLP2 inhibit autodegradation, (d) in primary cortical neurons from APP or APLP2 knock-out mice, there is an increased nitric oxide-catalyzed degradation of heparan sulfate compared with brain tissue and neurons from wild-type mice, and (e) in growth-quiescent fibroblasts from APLP2 knock-out mice, but not from APP knock-out mice, there is also an increased heparan sulfate degradation. We propose that the rate of autoprocessing of glypican-1 is modulated by APP and APLP2 in neurons and by APLP2 in fibroblasts. These observation identify a functional relationship between the heparan sulfate and copper ion binding activities of APP/APLP2 in their modulation of the nitroxyl anion-catalyzed heparan sulfate degradation in glypican-1.

Alzheimer Disease↗

APP processing is regulated by cytoplasmic phosphorylation.

Amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) aggregate in senile plaque is a key characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we show that phosphorylation of amyloid precursor protein (APP) on threonine 668 (P-APP) may play a role in APP metabolism. In AD brains, P-APP accumulates in large vesicular structures in afflicted hippocampal pyramidal neurons that costain with antibodies against endosome markers and the beta-secretase, BACE1. Western blot analysis reveals increased levels of T668-phosphorylated APP COOH-terminal fragments in hippocampal lysates from many AD but not control subjects. Importantly, P-APP cofractionates with endosome markers and BACE1 in an iodixanol gradient and displays extensive colocalization with BACE1 in rat primary cortical neurons. Furthermore, APP COOH-terminal fragments generated by BACE1 are preferentially phosphorylated on T668 verses those produced by alpha-secretase. The production of Abeta is significantly reduced when phosphorylation of T668 is either abolished by mutation or inhibited by T668 kinase inhibitors. Together, these results suggest that T668 phosphorylation may facilitate the BACE1 cleavage of APP to increase Abeta generation.

Alzheimer Disease↗

The cytoplasmic domain of the LDL receptor-related protein regulates multiple steps in APP processing.

The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) has recently been implicated in numerous intracellular signaling functions, as well as in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Studies have shown that the beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) interacts with LRP and that this association may impact the production of amyloid beta-protein (Abeta). In this report, we provide evidence that LRP regulates trafficking of intracellular proteins independently of its lipoprotein receptor functions. We show that in the absence of LRP, Abeta production, APP secretion, APP internalization, turnover of full-length APP and stability of APP C-terminal fragments are affected. Importantly, these changes are not APP isoform dependent. Using deletion constructs, the critical region in LRP that modulates APP processing was mapped to a seven peptide domain around the second NPXY domain (residues 4504-4510). Therefore, we propose a model by which LRP functionally modulates APP processing, including those steps critical for Abeta production, through interactions of the cytosolic domains.

Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor↗

The production of the Alzheimer amyloid precursor protein (APP) in extraneuronal tissue does not increase in old age.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the cerebral deposition of beta-amyloid (A beta). A beta plaques also occur in the brains of healthy aged individuals, and A beta concentrations are increased in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in old age. Based on results from an in vitro senescence model on human fibroblasts, it was proposed that the production of the beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) was increased during aging. No information was available as to whether APP production was also augmented in aged humans. It was therefore the aim of the present study to analyze APP in connective tissue, skeletal muscle, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and serum samples from young and aged healthy individuals. APP production was assessed by Northern and Western blotting. The expression of the different APP isoforms was studied by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. The results demonstrate that APP messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein concentrations were identical in blood and tissue samples from young and aged individuals and that there were no age-dependent changes in the APP isoform production pattern. Thus, our data strongly argue against the possibility of an altered production of APP during healthy aging and underline the point that in vitro aging models may not accurately reflect the in vivo situation.

Adult↗

Activation of the Notch pathway in Down syndrome: cross-talk of Notch and APP.

Down syndrome (DS) patients suffer from mental retardation, but also display enhanced beta-APP production and develop cortical amyloid plaques at an early age. As beta-APP and Notch are both processed by gamma-secretase, we analyzed expression of the Notch signaling pathway in the adult DS brain and in a model system for DS, human trisomy 21 fibroblasts by quantitative PCR. In adult DS cortex we found that Notch1, Dll1 and Hes1 expression is up-regulated. Moreover, DS fibroblasts and Alzheimer disease cortex also show overexpression of Notch1 and Dll1, indicating that enhanced beta-APP processing found in both DS and AD could be instrumental in these changes. Using pull-down studies we could demonstrate interaction of APP with Notch1, suggesting that these transmembrane proteins form heterodimers, but independent of gamma-secretase. We could demonstrate binding of the intracellular domain of Notch1 to the APP adaptor protein Fe65. Furthermore, activated Notch1 can trans-activate an APP target gene, Kai1, and vice versa, activated APP can trans-activate the classical Notch target gene Hes1. These data suggest that Notch expression is activated in Down syndrome, possibly through cross-talk with APP signaling. This interaction might affect brain development, since the Notch pathway plays a pivotal role in neuron-glia differentiation.

Adult↗

Role of APP phosphorylation in FE65-dependent gene transactivation mediated by AICD.

Consecutive cleavages of Alzheimer's amyloid beta-protein precursor (APP) generate intracellular domain fragment (AICD). Interaction of APP and/or AICD with the adaptor protein FE65 is thought to modulate the metabolism of APP and the function of AICD. Phosphorylation or amino acid substitution of APP and AICD at threonine 668 (Thr668) suppresses their association with FE65. Here, we analyzed the function of APP and AICD phosphorylation in the nuclear translocation of FE65. In brain, AICD was present as phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated forms with non-phosphorylated AICD being dominantly detected in the nucleus. However, a mutant AICD (AICDa), in which Thr668 of AICD was replaced with Ala, was also mostly localized to the nucleus. These observations indicate that phosphorylation of AICD does not regulate the translocation of FE65 and that FE65 does not accompany AICD into the nucleus. APP was known to tether FE65 to the membrane. We found that phosphorylation of APP liberated membrane-bound FE65, which was then translocated into the nucleus where it up-regulated gene transactivation mediated by AICD, which was translocated into the nucleus independently of FE65. Therefore, phosphorylation of APP but not AICD modulates FE65-dependent gene transactivation mediated by AICD through the regulation of FE65 intracellular localization.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

APP expression in primary neuronal cell cultures from P6 mice during in vitro differentiation.

Primary neuronal cell cultures from P6 mice were investigated in order to study amyloid protein precursor (APP) gene expression in differentiating neurons. Cerebellar granule cells which strongly express APP 695 allowed the identification of three distinct isoforms of neuronal APP 695. The high-molecular-weight form of APP 695 is sialylated. The expression pattern of neuronal APP 695 changes during in vitro differentiation. Sialylated forms become more abundant upon longer cultivation time. The secreted forms of sialylated, neuronal APP 695 are shown to comigrate with APP isolated from cerebrospinal fluid. We suggest that the different sialylation states of APP 695 may reflect the modulation of cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions during in vitro differentiation and regeneration.

Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor↗

Boosting with intranasal dendrimeric Abeta1-15 but not Abeta1-15 peptide leads to an effective immune response following a single injection of Abeta1-40/42 in APP-tg mice.

BACKGROUND: Immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is emerging as a potential treatment. However, a clinical trial (AN1792) was halted after adverse effects occurred in a small subset of subjects, which may have been caused by a T cell-mediated immunological response. In general, aging limits the humoral immune response, therefore, immunogens and vaccination regimes are required that induce a strong antibody response with less potential for an adverse immune response. METHOD: In the current study, we immunized both wildtype and J20 APP-tg mice with a priming injection of Abeta1-40/42, followed by multiple intranasal boosts with the novel immunogen dAbeta1-15 (16 copies of Abeta1-15 on a lysine tree), Abeta1-15 peptide or Abeta1-40/42 full length peptide. RESULTS: J20 APP-tg mice primed with Abeta1-40/42 subcutaneously and subsequently boosted intranasally with Abeta1-15 peptide did not generate a cellular or humoral immune response. In contrast, J20 APP-tg mice boosted intranasally with dAbeta1-15 or full length Abeta1-40/42 produced high levels of anti-Abeta antibodies. Splenocyte proliferation was minimal in mice immunized with dAbeta1-15. Wildtype littermates of the J20 APP-tg mice produced higher amounts of anti-Abeta antibodies compared to APP-tg mice but also had low T cell proliferation. The anti-Abeta antibodies were mainly composed of IgG2b and directed to an epitope within the Abeta1-7 region, regardless of the immunogen. Examination of the brain showed a significant reduction in Abeta plaque burden in the J20 APP-tg mice producing antibodies compared to controls. Biochemically, Abeta40 or Abeta42 were also reduced in brain homogenates and elevated in plasma but the changes did not reach significance. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that priming with full length Abeta40/42 followed by boosting with dAbeta1-15 but not Abeta1-15 peptide led to a robust humoral immune response with a minimal T cell response in J20 APP-tg mice. In addition, Abeta plaque burden was reduced in mice producing anti-Abeta antibodies. Interestingly, wildtype mice produced higher levels of anti-Abeta antibodies, indicating that immune tolerance may be present in J20 APP-tg mice. Together, these data suggest that dAbeta1-15 but not Abeta1-15 peptide may be useful as a boosting immunogen in an AD vaccination regime.

Journal Article↗