SRSF11 Loss Leads to Aging-Associated Cognitive Decline by Modulating LRP8 and ApoE

Abstract

RNA binding proteins, the key regulators in gene expression at the posttranscriptional level, remain largely uncharacterized with respect to aging and relevant cognitive deterioration. Here, we report that the levels of SFRS11 are substantially decreased in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of aged brains. Notably, mice with SFRS11 deficiency in the PFC show impaired learning and memory. We demonstrate that SFRS11 directly binds to the 3' UTR of LRP8 mRNA, as well as to the third exon of apoE mRNA, resulting in stabilization of these mRNAs, eventually deactivating JNK signaling. Importantly, restoration of LRP8 and apoE reduces JNK signaling that is significantly enhanced in SFRS11-deficient cells. In addition, LRP8 and apoE rescue aging-like phenotypes induced by SFRS11 loss. Our findings demonstrate that age-dependent loss of SFRS11 in the PFC reduces levels of apoE and LRP8, leading to activation of the JNK pathway, ultimately influencing cognitive deficits.