BACE1 mRNA Research Articles

Sex- and brain region-specific acceleration of β-amyloidogenesis following behavioral stress in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

BackgroundIt is hypothesized that complex interactions between multiple environmental factors and genetic factors are implicated in sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Importantly, recent evidence reveals that expression and activity levels of the β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), which initiates amyloid-β (Aβ) production, are elevated in AD brains. In this study, we investigated a molecular mechanism by which sex and stress interactions may accelerate β-amyloidogenesis and contribute to sporadic AD.ResultsWe applied 5-day restraint stress (6 h/day) to the male and female 5XFAD transgenic mouse model of AD at the pre-pathological stage of disease, which showed little amyloid deposition under non-stressed control conditions. Exposure to the relatively brief behavioral stress increased levels of neurotoxic Aβ42 peptides, the β-secretase-cleaved C-terminal fragment (C99) and plaque burden in the hippocampus of female 5XFAD mice but not in that of male 5XFAD mice. In contrast, significant changes in the parameters of β-amyloidosis were not observed in the cerebral cortex of stressed male or female 5XFAD mice. We found that this sex- and brain region-specific acceleration of β-amyloidosis was accounted for by elevations in BACE1 and APP levels in response to adverse stress. Furthermore, not only BACE1 mRNA but also phosphorylation of the translation initiation factor eIF2α (a proposed mediator of the post-transcriptional upregulation of BACE1) was elevated in the hippocampus of stressed female 5XFAD mice.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the higher prevalence of sporadic AD in women may be attributable to the vulnerability of female brains (especially, the hippocampus) to stressful events, which alter APP processing to favor the β-amyloidogenesis through the transcriptional and translational upregulation of BACE1 combined with elevations in its substrate APP.

IGF-1 Reduces BACE-1 Expression in PC12 Cells via Activation of PI3-K/Akt and MAPK/ERK1/2 Signaling Pathways

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) stimulates α-secretase processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and decreases Aβ production. Little is known about the relationship between IGF-1 and β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE-1), the protease essential for the production of β-amyloid peptides (Aβ). Here, we investigated the effect of IGF-1 on BACE-1 in PC12 cells. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis and western blot showed that treatment of cells with IGF-1 significantly decreased the levels of BACE-1 mRNA and protein. Furthermore, IGF-1 increased the phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2. The presence of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) inhibitor LY294002 and the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases (MEK) inhibitor PD98059 blocked the effect of IGF-1 on BACE-1. Our data indicated that IGF-1-induced reduction of BACE-1 might involve the PI3-K/Akt and MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathways.

The inhibitory effects of different curcuminoids on β-amyloid protein, β-amyloid precursor protein and β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 in swAPP HEK293 cells

The hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the accumulation of β-amyloid protein (Aβ). Aβ is generated from the β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) through the proteolysis of β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and γ-secretase. Aβ 42 isoform is more easily aggregate and more toxic to neurons than any other Aβ isoforms, thus being regarded as the primary toxic specie in AD. Curcumin mix has potent anti-amyloidogenic effect and shows great promise for AD treatment and prevention. The present study was conducted to examine the effects of curcumin mix and its different curcuminoids including curcumin (Cur), demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) on Aβ 42, APP and BACE1. We found that Cur was the most active curcuminoid fraction in suppressing Aβ 42 production and the order of inhibitory potency of other curcuminoids was DMC > curcumin mix > BDMC. Cur, but not other curcuminoids, could reduce APP protein expression and none of curcuminoids affected APP mRNA level. BDMC could reduce BACE1 mRNA and protein levels, while DMC only affected BACE1 mRNA expression. Our data indicate that the anti-amyloidogenic effect of Cur may be mediated through the modulation of APP, while the anti-amyloidogenic effect of BDMC may be mediated through the modulation of BACE1.

MiR-107 is Reduced in Alzheimer's Disease Brain Neocortex: Validation Study

MiR-107 is a microRNA (miRNA) that we reported previously to have decreased expression in the temporal cortical gray matter early in the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here we study a new group of well-characterized human temporal cortex samples (N=19). MiR-107 expression was assessed, normalized to miR-124 and let-7a. Correlation was observed between decreased miR-107 expression and increased neuritic plaque counts (P< 0.05) and neurofibrillary tangle counts (P< 0.02) in adjacent brain tissue. Adjusted miR-107 and BACE1 mRNA levels tended to correlate negatively (trend with regression P< 0.07). In sum, miR-107 expression tends to be lower relative to other miRNAs as AD progresses.

Salidroside attenuates hypoxia-induced abnormal processing of amyloid precursor protein by decreasing BACE1 expression in SH-SY5Y cells

Hypoxia which is mainly mediated by hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), can greatly contribute to the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by increasing β-site APP cleaving enzyme (BACE1) gene expression, protein level and β-secretase activity, resulting in a significant generation of amyloid-beta (Aβ). Salidroside has been reported to have great neuroprotective effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of salidroside on hypoxia-induced abnormal processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) in SH-SY5Y cells and its possible mechanism. Western blot analysis showed that 200 μM of salidroside pretreatment significantly decreased BACE1 protein level and promoted the secretion of sAPPα in hypoxic condition. Salidroside had no effect on the level of APP, ADAM10 and ADAM17. ELISA analysis revealed that salidroside was able to inhibit the increase of β-secretase activity and Aβ generation induced by hypoxia, with no effect on γ-secretase activity. Notably, under hypoxia condition, mRNA of BACE1 and protein level of HIF-1α were decreased by salidroside pretreatment. These results demonstrated for the first time that salidroside was able to attenuate abnormal processing of amyloid precursor protein induced by hypoxia in SH-SY5Y cells, providing a new insight into prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Novel Specific MicroRNAs in Regulating Neuronal Genes Implicated In Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is mainly characterized by brain depositions of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline. These aberrations are believed to result from the over-production of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), which is derived from amyloid precursor protein (APP). Overproduction of Aβ is most likey due to dysregulation of genes involved in AD. Dysregulation of proteins involved in APP trafficking (e.g. SORL1), Aβ production (APP, BACE1) and Aβ clearance (neprilysin [NEP]) may contribute to excess Aβ deposition. Elucidating how expression of these proteins is regulated will ultimately reveal new drug targets. We have taken the novel approach of studying the regulation of these gene products by microRNAs (miRNAs), which interact with the 3'UTRs of target mRNA. Here we report the identification of novel miRNAs that are significant for AD. Using bioinformatic tools a set of miRNA predicted to target the human APP, BACE1, NEP and SORL1 mRNA 3'UTR was identified. Chimeric 3'UTR-reporter constructs were then prepared by inserting the APP, BACE1, NEP or SORL1 3'UTR downstream of a reporter Renilla luciferase gene. To identify miRNA-target gene interactions, corresponding miRNA mimics were independently co-transfected into mammalian cells along with a specific reporter construct described above. Sensitive reporter assays identified multiple miRNAs that mediate inhibitory (and some stimulatory) effects on luciferase expression for each 3'UTR. We found that miR-153 and miR-346 inhibited APP 3'UTR reporter expression to a significant degree. To confirm the effects of miR-153 and miR-346 on native protein expression, miRNA mimics were transfected into HeLa cells and changes in APP protein levels were measured. Notably, APP levels were significantly decreased by miR-153 but surprisingly increased by miR-346 relative to controls. Experiments are underway to confirm the site-specific nature of these interactions, to validate endogenous regulation of APP by miR-153 and miR-346. and to test candidate miRNA directed against BACE1, NEP and SORL1 3'UTR. Our results reveal a novel regulatory interaction between important AD-related genes and specific endogenously expressed miRNA species, and open up a novel drug target(s) for AD therapeutics. Further characterization of unique miRNA(s) would have significant therapeutic implication for AD.

Expression of the Anti-amyloidogenic Secretase ADAM10 Is Suppressed by Its 5′-Untranslated Region

Proteolytic processing of the amyloid precursor protein by alpha-secretase prevents formation of the amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta), which is the main constituent of amyloid plaques in brains of Alzheimer disease (AD) patients. alpha-Secretase activity is decreased in AD, and overexpression of the alpha-secretase ADAM10 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease 10) in an AD animal model prevents amyloid pathology. ADAM10 has a 444-nucleotide-long, very GC-rich 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) with two upstream open reading frames. Because similar properties of 5'-UTRs are found in transcripts of many genes, which are regulated by translational control mechanisms, we asked whether ADAM10 expression is translationally controlled by its 5'-UTR. We demonstrate that the 5'-UTR of ADAM10 represses the rate of ADAM10 translation. In the absence of the 5'-UTR, we observed a significant increase of ADAM10 protein levels in HEK293 cells, whereas mRNA levels were not changed. Moreover, the 5'-UTR of ADAM10 inhibits translation of a luciferase reporter in an in vitro transcription/translation assay. Successive deletion of the first half of the ADAM10 5'-UTR revealed a striking increase in ADAM10 protein expression in HEK293 cells, suggesting that this part of the 5'-UTR contains inhibitory elements for translation. Moreover, we detect an enhanced alpha-secretase activity and consequently reduced Abeta levels in the conditioned medium of HEK293 cells expressing both amyloid precursor protein and a 5'-UTR-ADAM10 deletion construct lacking the first half of the 5'-UTR. Thus, we provide evidence that the 5'-UTR of ADAM10 may have an important role for post-transcriptional regulation of ADAM10 expression and consequently Abeta production.

Changes in BACE1 and BACE2 Expresssion in Alzheimer's Disease and Down Syndrome

Progressive cognitive decline is seen in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Down syndrome (DS). In both, the amyloid precursor protein (APP) is believed to cause the development of amyloid pathology in the brain with the β‐site APP cleaving enzymes 1 and 2 (BACE1 and BACE2) as rate limiting enzymes. Individuals with DS have an extra copy of both APP and BACE2 on chromosome 21. Despite well studied mechanisms behind the common pathology, not much is known about regulatory processes. Evaluation of gene and protein expression levels in disease and control samples were studied to identify key regulation factors. Quantitative RT‐PCR and Western blot were used to measure the relative mRNA and protein expression levels of APP, BACE1 and BACE2 in DS, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), presymptomatic AD (PCAD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and AD. In DS; APP, BACE1 and BACE2 mRNA increased while GAPDH decreased. APP expression increased, BACE1 expression decreased, and no change was found in BACE2 expression. In AD, MCI, PCAD and FTD, BACE1 and BACE2 increased. Regulation of APP and BACE2 are likely due to gene dosage effect while GAPDH and BACE1 are transcriptionally controlled in DS. Upregulation of BACE1, BACE2 and APP are likely early effects of MCI and AD and may be driven by general neurodegenerative processes. Thus the pathology seen in DS is regulated by different mechanisms than those seen in MCI and AD. Supported by NIH NS058382.

Increased BACE1 mRNA and noncoding BACE1-antisense transcript in sporadic inclusion-body myositis muscle fibers—Possibly caused by endoplasmic reticulum stress

Sporadic inclusion-body myositis (s-IBM) is the most common muscle disease of older persons. Its muscle-fiber phenotype shares several molecular similarities with Alzheimer-disease (AD) brain, including increased AβPP, accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ), and increased BACE1 protein. Aβ42 is prominently increased in AD brain and within s-IBM fibers, and its oligomers are putatively toxic to both tissues—accordingly, minimizing Aβ42 production can be a therapeutic objective in both tissues. The pathogenic development of s-IBM is unknown, including the mechanisms of BACE1 protein increase. BACE1 is an enzyme essential for production from AβPP of Aβ42 and Aβ40, which are proposed to be detrimental within s-IBM muscle fibers. Novel noncoding BACE1-antisense (BACE1-AS) was recently shown (a) to be increased in AD brain, and (b) to increase BACE1 mRNA and BACE1 protein. We studied BACE1-AS and BACE1 transcripts by real-time PCR (a) in 10 s-IBM and 10 age-matched normal muscle biopsies; and (b) in our established ER-Stress-Human-Muscle-Culture-IBM Model, in which we previously demonstrated increased BACE1 protein. Our study demonstrated for the first time that (a) in s-IBM biopsies BACE1-AS and BACE1 transcripts were significantly increased, suggesting that their increased expression can be responsible for the increase of BACE1 protein; and (b) experimental induction of ER stress significantly increased both BACE1-AS and BACE1 transcripts, suggesting that ER stress can participate in their induction in s-IBM muscle. Accordingly, decreasing BACE1 through a targeted downregulation of its regulatory BACE1-AS, or reducing ER stress, might be therapeutic strategies in s-IBM, assuming that it would not impair any normal cellular functions of BACE1.

PW01-80 - The effects on the level of intestinal endotoxemia in Alzheimer disease rats

AimThe objective of the study was to explore whether IETM participate in the development of Alzheimer disease's rats which were established by D-galactose and aluminum trichloride (AlCl3).MethodsAdult Wistar rats were subjected to 90 days of intraperitoneal injection with D-galactose and AlCl3 to establish the Alzheimer disease's model. After the administration, the study and memory ability of the Alzheimer disease's rats were observed by Morris water maze; The level of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the sera of Alzheimer disease's rats was determined by tachypleus amebocyte lysate method; The level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) in the sera of Alzheimer disease's rats were determined by radioimmunity method; The express of amyloid β-protein precursor (APP), presenilin 1 (PS1) and β-site APP-cleaving enzyme (BACE) in hippocampus of Alzheimer disease's rats were detected by RT-PCR.ResultsCompared with the normal control, the level of LPS in the sera and the express of APP, PSI, BACE mRNA in the hippocampus of Alzheimer disease's rats were markedly increased (P&lt; 0.01).ConclusionsThe model of Alzheimer disease's rats which were established by D-galactose and AlCl3 is accompanied IETM. This result suggests that IETM play an important role in the development of Alzheimer disease.

Splicing of intron 3 of human BACE requires the flanking introns 2 and 4

Regulation of proteolytic cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein by the aspartic protease BACE may occur by alternative splicing and the generation of enzymatically inactive forms. In fact, the presence of exonic donor and acceptor sites for intron 3 generates the two deficient variants BACE457 and BACE476. In HEK293 cells, when introns are inserted separately in the BACE cDNA, we found that whilst introns 2 and 4 are efficiently spliced out, intron 3 is not removed. On the other hand, splicing to wild-type BACE is restored when intron 3 is flanked by the two other introns. The presence of all three introns also leads to alternative splicing of intron 3 and the generation of BACE476. In contrast, BACE457 expression takes place only after mutating the donor splice site of intron 3, indicating that additional regulatory elements are necessary for the use of the splicing site within exon 4. Overall, our data demonstrate that a complex splicing of intron 3 regulates the maturation of the BACE mRNA. This appears orchestrated by domains present in the exons and introns flanking intron 3. Excessive BACE activity is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, therefore this complex regulation might guarantee low neuronal BACE activity and disease prevention.

Lifespan Profiles of Alzheimer's Disease-Associated Genes and Products in Monkeys and Mice

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by plaques of amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide, cleaved from amyloid-beta protein precursor (AbetaPP). Our hypothesis is that lifespan profiles of AD-associated mRNA and protein levels in monkeys would differ from mice and that differential lifespan expression profiles would be useful to understand human AD pathogenesis. We compared profiles of AbetaPP mRNA, AbetaPP protein, and Abeta levels in rodents and primates. We also tracked a transcriptional regulator of the AbetaPP gene, specificity protein 1 (SP1), and the beta amyloid precursor cleaving enzyme (BACE1). In mice, AbetaPP and SP1 mRNA and their protein products were elevated late in life; Abeta levels declined in old age. In monkeys, SP1, AbetaPP, and BACE1 mRNA declined in old age, while protein products and Abeta levels rose. Proteolytic processing in both species did not match production of Abeta. In primates, AbetaPP and SP1 mRNA levels coordinate, but an inverse relationship exists with corresponding protein products as well as Abeta levels. Comparison of human DNA and mRNA sequences to monkey and mouse counterparts revealed structural features that may explain differences in transcriptional and translational processing. These findings are important for selecting appropriate models for AD and other age-related diseases.

Gene expression profiles of APP and BACE1 in Tg SOD1G93A cortical cells.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease defined by motor neuron loss. Transgenic mouse model (Tg SOD1G93A) shows pathological features that closely mimic those seen in ALS patients. An hypothetic link between AD and ALS was suggested by finding an higher amount of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the spinal cord anterior horn neurons, and of Abeta peptides in ALS patients skin. In this work, we have investigated the expression of some genes involved in Alzheimer's disease, as APP, beta- and gamma-secretase, in an animal model of ALS, to understand some possible common molecular mechanisms between these two pathologies. For gene expression analysis, we carried out a quantitative RT-PCR in ALS mice and in transgenic mice over-expressing human wild-type SOD1 (Tg hSOD1). We found that APP and BACE1 mRNA levels were increased 1.5-fold in cortical cells of Tg SOD1G93A mice respect to Tg hSOD1, whereas the expression of gamma-secretase genes, as PSEN1, PSEN2, Nicastrin, and APH1a, showed no statistical differences between wild-type and ALS mice. Biochemical analysis carried out by immunostaining and western blotting, did not show any significant modulation of the protein expression compared to the genes, suggesting the existence of post-translational mechanisms that modify protein levels.

MicroRNA-298 and MicroRNA-328 Regulate Expression of Mouse β-Amyloid Precursor Protein-converting Enzyme 1

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulatory RNAs known to repress mRNA translation through recognition of specific binding sites located mainly in their 3'-untranslated region (UTR). Loss of specific miRNA control of gene expression is thus expected to underlie serious genetic diseases. Intriguingly, previous post-mortem analyses showed higher beta-amyloid precursor protein-converting enzyme (BACE) protein, but not mRNA, levels in the brain of patients that suffered from Alzheimer disease (AD). Here we also observed a loss of correlation between BACE1 mRNA and protein levels in the hippocampus of a mouse model of AD. Consistent with an impairment of miRNA-mediated regulation of BACE1 expression, these findings prompted us to investigate the regulatory role of the BACE1 3'-UTR element and the possible involvement of specific miRNAs in cultured neuronal (N2a) and fibroblastic (NIH 3T3) cells. Through various experimental approaches, we validated computational predictions and demonstrated that miR-298 and miR-328 recognize specific binding sites in the 3'-UTR of BACE1 mRNA and exert regulatory effects on BACE1 protein expression in cultured neuronal cells. Our results may provide the molecular basis underlying BACE1 deregulation in AD and offer new perspectives on the etiology of this neurological disorder.

Caspase inhibition attenuates accumulation of β-amyloid by reducing β-secretase production and activity in rat brains after stroke

In this study, we tested if caspase-3 inhibition decreased ischemia-induced Aβ elevation by reducing β-secretase (BACE1) activity. Changes in caspase-3, Aβ and BACE1 levels were detected in rat striatum on different days after middle cerebral artery occlusion using immunostaining. We found that the positive labeled cells of activated caspase-3, Aβ, and BACE1 were significantly and time-dependently increased in the ipsilateral striatum. The results of Western blotting and RT-PCR showed that caspase-3 inhibitor Z-DEVD-FMK reduced BACE1 mRNA and protein levels, and inhibited its protease activity, thereby decreasing the amount of APP C99 and Aβ in ischemic brains. Moreover, Z-DEVD-FMK reduced BACE1 and GFAP double-labeled cells, but not GFAP protein levels or GFAP-labeled cells, in the ipsilateral striatum. Thus, we demonstrated that caspase-3 inhibition attenuated ischemia-induced Aβ formation by reducing BACE1 production and activity. This finding provides a therapeutic strategy for preventing Aβ accumulation and reducing the risk of neurodegeneration after stroke.

Proteolytic Shedding of ST6Gal-I by BACE1 Regulates the Glycosylation and Function of α4β1 Integrins

Differentiation of monocytes into macrophages is accompanied by increased cell adhesiveness, due in part to the activation of alpha4beta1 integrins. Here we report that the sustained alpha4beta1 activation associated with macrophage differentiation results from expression of beta1 integrin subunits that lack alpha2-6-linked sialic acids, a carbohydrate modification added by the ST6Gal-I sialyltransferase. During differentiation of U937 monocytic cells and primary human CD14(+) monocytes, ST6Gal-I is down-regulated, leading to beta1 hyposialylation and enhanced alpha4beta1-dependent VCAM-1 binding. Importantly, ST6Gal-I down-regulation results from cleavage by the BACE1 secretase, which we show is dramatically up-regulated during macrophage differentiation. BACE1 up-regulation, ST6Gal-I shedding, beta1 hyposialylation, and alpha4beta1-dependent VCAM-1 binding are all temporally correlated and share the same signaling mechanism (protein kinase C/Ras/ERK). Preventing ST6Gal-I down-regulation (and therefore integrin hyposialylation), through BACE1 inhibition or ST6Gal-I constitutive overexpression, eliminates VCAM-1 binding. Similarly, preventing integrin hyposialylation inhibits a differentiation-induced increase in the expression of an activation-dependent conformational epitope on the beta1 subunit. Collectively, these results describe a novel mechanism for alpha4beta1 regulation and further suggest an unanticipated role for BACE1 in macrophage function.

Promotion of BACE1 mRNA Alternative Splicing Reduces Amyloid β-Peptide Production

Production of the amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) via sequential proteolytic cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein by beta- and gamma-secretases is strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. The beta-secretase that executes the first cleavage event is a transmembrane aspartyl protease known as beta-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1). BACE1 pre-mRNA is alternatively spliced through the use of alternative splice sites in exons 3 and 4, although the significance of these splicing events is unclear. Here, we quantitatively measured relative levels of BACE1 transcripts and identified a novel splice variant of BACE1. We found a subtle but significant difference in BACE1 splicing between brain and pancreas, indicating the cellular environment can affect BACE1 alternative splicing. Furthermore, we have shown that BACE1 proteins translated from alternatively spliced transcripts have dramatically reduced beta-secretase activity and promotion of BACE1 alternative splicing reduces Abeta production. These findings illustrate the importance of BACE1 alternative splicing in affecting the level of Abeta produced in cells and suggest that targeting regulation of BACE1 alternative splicing is a potential therapeutic strategy for lowering beta-secretase activity.

P3-335: Upstream of N-ras (UNR) is involved in translational control of ADAM10 protein expression

Background: The amyloid beta peptide (A ) is derived by proteolytic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by the beta-secretase BACE1 and gamma-secretase. In contrast to this amyloidogenic processing, APP is predominantly cleaved by the alpha-secretase within the A domain and this precludes the formation of A . We and other research groups could show that BACE1 protein expression is regulated by the 5’untranslated region (UTR) of the BACE1 mRNA, however little is known about the regulation of alpha-secretase. Similar to the 5’UTR of BACE1, the 5’UTR of ADAM10 consists of 444 nucleotides with a GC-content of 70% and two upstream open reading frames. We hypothesize that ADAM10, the major anti-amyloidogenic alpha-secretase, is also regulated by its 5’UTR and postulate that ADAM10 and BACE1 are regulated on a posttranscriptional level by 5’UTR binding proteins. Methods: We performed a large mutagenesis analysis to identify regions within the 5’UTR of ADAM10 which are important for translational regulation. To identify possible binding candidates we performed a UTR-database search. Results: We found that ADAM10 expression is regulated by its 5’UTR. In the presence of the 5’UTR we observed a significant reduction of ADAM10 protein levels in HEK293 cells. mRNA levels were not affected. Deletions from the 3’ end of the 5’UTR led to an even stronger inhibition of ADAM10 expression. However, a stepwise deletion of the first 259 nucleotides from the 5’end resulted in a strong increase in ADAM10 protein expression. Moreover we show that RNA binding proteins exist which bind specifically and selectively to either the 5’UTR of ADAM10 or BACE1. Using Electophoretic Mobility Shift Assays we identified UNR, a cytosolic RNA binding protein, as one binding partner of the ADAM10 5’UTR. Deleting the two well conserved binding sites within the UTR abolished the binding of recombinant UNR to the 5’UTR of ADAM10 and resulted in an increase of ADAM10 expression after transient transfection. Conclusions: In this sudy we demonstrate that the cytoplasmic protein UNR is able to bind to the 5’UTR of ADAM10 and that UNR might be involved in translational regulation of ADAM10 protein expression.

Transcriptional Regulation of β-Secretase by p25/cdk5 Leads to Enhanced Amyloidogenic Processing

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (cdk5) has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Here, we demonstrate that overexpression of p25, an activator of cdk5, led to increased levels of BACE1 mRNA and protein in vitro and in vivo. A p25/cdk5 responsive region containing multiple sites for signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT1/3) was identified in the BACE1 promoter. STAT3 interacts with the BACE1 promoter, and p25-overexpressing mice had elevated levels of pSTAT3 and BACE1, whereas cdk5-deficient mice had reduced levels. Furthermore, mice with a targeted mutation in the STAT3 cdk5 responsive site had lower levels of BACE1. Increased BACE levels in p25 overexpressing mice correlated with enhanced amyloidogenic processing that could be reversed by a cdk5 inhibitor. These data demonstrate a pathway by which p25/cdk5 increases the amyloidogenic processing of APP through STAT3-mediated transcriptional control of BACE1 that could have implications for AD pathogenesis.

The Expression of MicroRNA miR-107 Decreases Early in Alzheimer's Disease and May Accelerate Disease Progression through Regulation of β-Site Amyloid Precursor Protein-Cleaving Enzyme 1

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs that participate in posttranscriptional gene regulation in a sequence-specific manner. However, little is understood about the role(s) of miRNAs in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We used miRNA expression microarrays on RNA extracted from human brain tissue from the University of Kentucky Alzheimer's Disease Center Brain Bank with near-optimal clinicopathological correlation. Cases were separated into four groups: elderly nondemented with negligible AD-type pathology, nondemented with incipient AD pathology, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with moderate AD pathology, and AD. Among the AD-related miRNA expression changes, miR-107 was exceptional because miR-107 levels decreased significantly even in patients with the earliest stages of pathology. In situ hybridization with cross-comparison to neuropathology demonstrated that particular cerebral cortical laminas involved by AD pathology exhibit diminished neuronal miR-107 expression. Computational analysis predicted that the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of beta-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) mRNA is targeted multiply by miR-107. From the same RNA material analyzed on miRNA microarrays, mRNA expression profiling was performed using Affymetrix Exon Array microarrays on nondemented, MCI, and AD patients. BACE1 mRNA levels tended to increase as miR-107 levels decreased in the progression of AD. Cell culture reporter assays performed with a subset of the predicted miR-107 binding sites indicate the presence of at least one physiological miR-107 miRNA recognition sequence in the 3'-UTR of BACE1 mRNA. Together, the coordinated application of miRNA profiling, Affymetrix microarrays, new bioinformatics predictions, in situ hybridization, and biochemical validation indicate that miR-107 may be involved in accelerated disease progression through regulation of BACE1.