Regulation Of Aβ Production Research Articles

Overexpression of SNX7 reduces Aβ production by enhancing lysosomal degradation of APP

Abnormal production of amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) by proteolytic processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) is thought to be central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although many efforts have been made to investigate mechanisms that regulate APP processing, many details remain incompletely understood. Sorting nexins (SNXs) are a family of proteins which are involved in many intracellular trafficking events. Several SNXs have been implicated in APP processing and Aβ production. In this study, we extended the investigation to SNX7. We found that overexpression of SNX7 in HEK293T cells reduces the levels of secreted Aβ and β-cleaved N-terminal APP fragments (sAPPβ). Moreover, SNX7 overexpression caused a significant reduction of the steady-state levels of APP as well as of the cell surface APP levels. By using NH4Cl and Bafilomycin A1 to inhibit the lysosomal degradative pathway, we found that the reduction of APP induced by SNX7 overexpression was prevented by such inhibition. No change in the cell surface distribution or steady-state levels of BACE1 was detected after overexpression of SNX7. Taken together, these results suggest that SNX7 regulates Aβ production by directing APP for degradation.

Monoamine oxidase B is elevated in Alzheimer disease neurons, is associated with \u03b3-secretase and regulates neuronal amyloid \u03b2-peptide levels

BackgroundIncreased levels of the pathogenic amyloid β-peptide (Aβ), released from its precursor by the transmembrane protease γ-secretase, are found in Alzheimer disease (AD) brains. Interestingly, monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) activity is also increased in AD brain, but its role in AD pathogenesis is not known. Recent neuroimaging studies have shown that the increased MAO-B expression in AD brain starts several years before the onset of the disease. Here, we show a potential connection between MAO-B, γ-secretase and Aβ in neurons.MethodsMAO-B immunohistochemistry was performed on postmortem human brain. Affinity purification of γ-secretase followed by mass spectrometry was used for unbiased identification of γ-secretase-associated proteins. The association of MAO-B with γ-secretase was studied by coimmunoprecipitation from brain homogenate, and by in-situ proximity ligation assay (PLA) in neurons as well as mouse and human brain sections. The effect of MAO-B on Aβ production and Notch processing in cell cultures was analyzed by siRNA silencing or overexpression experiments followed by ELISA, western blot or FRET analysis. Methodology for measuring relative intraneuronal MAO-B and Aβ42 levels in single cells was developed by combining immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy with quantitative image analysis.ResultsImmunohistochemistry revealed MAO-B staining in neurons in the frontal cortex, hippocampus CA1 and entorhinal cortex in postmortem human brain. Interestingly, the neuronal staining intensity was higher in AD brain than in control brain in these regions. Mass spectrometric data from affinity purified γ-secretase suggested that MAO-B is a γ-secretase-associated protein, which was confirmed by immunoprecipitation and PLA, and a neuronal location of the interaction was shown. Strikingly, intraneuronal Aβ42 levels correlated with MAO-B levels, and siRNA silencing of MAO-B resulted in significantly reduced levels of intraneuronal Aβ42. Furthermore, overexpression of MAO-B enhanced Aβ production.ConclusionsThis study shows that MAO-B levels are increased not only in astrocytes but also in pyramidal neurons in AD brain. The study also suggests that MAO-B regulates Aβ production in neurons via γ-secretase and thereby provides a key to understanding the relationship between MAO-B and AD pathogenesis. Potentially, the γ-secretase/MAO-B association may be a target for reducing Aβ levels using protein–protein interaction breakers.

Zinc and Copper Differentially Modulate Amyloid Precursor Protein Processing by γ-Secretase and Amyloid-β Peptide Production

Recent evidence suggests involvement of biometal homeostasis in the pathological mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease (AD). For example, increased intracellular copper or zinc has been linked to a reduction in secreted levels of the AD-causing amyloid-β peptide (Aβ). However, little is known about whether these biometals modulate the generation of Aβ. In the present study we demonstrate in both cell-free and cell-based assays that zinc and copper regulate Aβ production by distinct molecular mechanisms affecting the processing by γ-secretase of its Aβ precursor protein substrate APP-C99. We found that Zn2+ induces APP-C99 dimerization, which prevents its cleavage by γ-secretase and Aβ production, with an IC50 value of 15 μm Importantly, at this concentration, Zn2+ also drastically raised the production of the aggregation-prone Aβ43 found in the senile plaques of AD brains and elevated the Aβ43:Aβ40 ratio, a promising biomarker for neurotoxicity and AD. We further demonstrate that the APP-C99 histidine residues His-6, His-13, and His-14 control the Zn2+-dependent APP-C99 dimerization and inhibition of Aβ production, whereas the increased Aβ43:Aβ40 ratio is substrate dimerization-independent and involves the known Zn2+ binding lysine Lys-28 residue that orientates the APP-C99 transmembrane domain within the lipid bilayer. Unlike zinc, copper inhibited Aβ production by directly targeting the subunits presenilin and nicastrin in the γ-secretase complex. Altogether, our data demonstrate that zinc and copper differentially modulate Aβ production. They further suggest that dimerization of APP-C99 or the specific targeting of individual residues regulating the production of the long, toxic Aβ species, may offer two therapeutic strategies for preventing AD.

Maturation and processing of the amyloid precursor protein is regulated by the potassium/sodium hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel 2 (HCN2)

The toxic amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) is a key player in Alzheimer Disease (AD) pathogenesis and selective inhibition of the production of this peptide is sought for. Aβ is produced by the sequential cleavage of the Aβ precursor protein (APP) by β-secretase (to yield APP-C-terminal fragment β (APP-CTFβ) and soluble APPβ (sAPPβ)) and γ-secretase (to yield Aβ). We reasoned that proteins that associate with γ-secretase are likely to regulate Aβ production and to be targets of pharmaceutical interventions and therefore performed a pull-down assay to screen for such proteins in rat brain. Interestingly, one of the purified proteins was potassium/sodium hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel 2 (HCN2), which has been shown to be involved in epilepsy. We found that silencing of HCN2 resulted in decreased secreted Aβ levels. To further investigate the mechanism behind this reduction, we also determined the levels of full-length APP, sAPP and APP-CTF species after silencing of HCN2. A marked reduction in sAPP and APP-CTF, as well as glycosylated APP levels was detected. Decreased Aβ, sAPP and APP-CTF levels were also detected after treatment with the HCN2 inhibitor ZD7288. These results indicate that the effect on Aβ levels after HCN2 silencing or inhibition is due to altered APP maturation or processing by β-secretase rather than a direct effect on γ-secretase. However, HCN2 and γ-secretase were found to be in close proximity, as evident by proximity ligation assay and immunoprecipitation. In summary, our results indicate that silencing or inhibition of HCN2 affects APP processing and thereby could serve as a potential treatment strategy.

Sex Hormone Decline and Amyloid β Synthesis, Transport and Clearance in the Brain.

Sex hormones (SH) are essential regulators of the central nervous system. The decline in SH levels along with ageing may contribute to compromised neuroprotection and set the grounds for neurodegeneration and cognitive impairments. In Alzheimer's disease, besides other pathological features, there is an imbalance between amyloid β (Aβ) production and clearance, leading to its accumulation in the brain of older subjects. Aβ accumulation is a primary cause for brain inflammation and degeneration, as well as concomitant cognitive decline. There is mounting evidence that SH modulate Aβ production, transport and clearance. Importantly, SH regulate most of the molecules involved in the amyloidogenic pathway, their transport across brain barriers for elimination, and their degradation in the brain interstitial fluid. This review brings together data on the regulation of Aβ production, metabolism, degradation and clearance by SH.

MiR-98-5p Acts as a Target for Alzheimer's Disease by Regulating Aβ Production Through Modulating SNX6 Expression.

Accumulation of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) in the brain of Alzheimer disease (AD) patients is believed to be the main pathological feature of the disease. Meanwhile, miR-98-5p dysregulation was found in AD. However, whether miR-98-5p is involved in the accumulation of Aβ in AD, the underlying molecule mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, we confirmed that miR-98-5p negatively regulated sorting nexin 6 (SNX6) expression by targeting the 3'-UTR of SNX6 mRNA. Downregulation of miR-98-5p alleviated Aβ-induced viability inhibition and decreased apoptosis in SK-N-SH and SH-SY5Y cells by upregulating SNX6 expression. Furthermore, downregulation of miR-98-5p decreased SNX6-dependent levels of Aβ40, Aβ42, β-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), soluble amyloid precursor protein β (sAPPβ), and membrane-associated APP β-carboxyl terminal fragment (βCTF) in SK-N-SH and HEK293 cells. Our findings demonstrate that miR-98-5p modulates SNX6 expression and thus plays a critical role in accumulation of Aβ. Therefore, miR-98-5p may be a novel therapeutic target for AD.

MicroRNA-132/212 deficiency enhances Aβ production and senile plaque deposition in Alzheimer's disease triple transgenic mice.

The abnormal regulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) metabolism (e.g., production, cleavage, clearance) plays a central role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Among endogenous factors believed to participate in AD progression are the small regulatory non-coding microRNAs (miRs). In particular, the miR-132/212 cluster is severely reduced in the AD brain. In previous studies we have shown that miR-132/212 deficiency in mice leads to impaired memory and enhanced Tau pathology as seen in AD patients. Here we demonstrate that the genetic deletion of miR-132/212 promotes Aβ production and amyloid (senile) plaque formation in triple transgenic AD (3xTg-AD) mice. Using RNA-Seq and bioinformatics, we identified genes of the miR-132/212 network with documented roles in the regulation of Aβ metabolism, including Tau, Mapk, and Sirt1. Consistent with these findings, we show that the modulation of miR-132, or its target Sirt1, can directly regulate Aβ production in cells. Finally, both miR-132 and Sirt1 levels correlated with Aβ load in humans. Overall, our results support the hypothesis that the miR-132/212 network, including Sirt1 and likely other target genes, contributes to abnormal Aβ metabolism and senile plaque deposition in AD. This study strengthens the importance of miR-dependent networks in neurodegenerative disorders, and opens the door to multifactorial drug targets of AD by targeting Aβ and Tau.

Ablation of Prion Protein in Wild Type Human Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) Transgenic Mice Does Not Alter The Proteolysis of APP, Levels of Amyloid-β or Pathologic Phenotype.

The cellular prion protein (PrPC) has been proposed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. In cellular models PrPC inhibited the action of the β-secretase BACE1 on wild type amyloid precursor protein resulting in a reduction in amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides. Here we have assessed the effect of genetic ablation of PrPC in transgenic mice expressing human wild type amyloid precursor protein (line I5). Deletion of PrPC had no effect on the α- and β-secretase proteolysis of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) nor on the amount of Aβ38, Aβ40 or Aβ42 in the brains of the mice. In addition, ablation of PrPC did not alter Aβ deposition or histopathology phenotype in this transgenic model. Thus using this transgenic model we could not provide evidence to support the hypothesis that PrPC regulates Aβ production.

Effects of glucose and insulin on secretion of amyloid-β by human adipose tissue cells.

ObjectiveObesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus are risk factors for developing Alzheimer disease. Overlapping patterns of metabolic dysfunction may be common molecular links between these complex diseases. Amyloid‐β (Aβ) precursor protein and associated β‐ and γ‐secretases are expressed in adipose tissue. Aβ precursor protein is up‐regulated with obesity and correlated to insulin resistance. Aβ may be secreted by adipose tissue, its production may be regulated through metabolic pathways, and Aβ may exert effects on adipose tissue insulin receptor signaling.MethodsHuman stromal‐vascular cells and differentiated adipocytes were cultured with different combinations of glucose and insulin and then assayed for Aβ in conditioned media. Aβ was measured in vivo using adipose tissue microdialysis.ResultsAβ secretion was increased by glucose and insulin in vitro. Adipose tissue microdialysates contained Aβ. Adipocytes treated with Aβ had decreased expression of insulin receptor substrate‐2 and reduced Akt‐1 phosphorylation.ConclusionsAβ was made by adipose tissue cells in vitro at concentrations similar to in vivo measurements. Regulation of Aβ production by glucose and insulin and effects of Aβ on the insulin receptor pathway suggest similar cellular mechanisms may exist between neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer disease and adipose dysfunction in type 2 diabetes.

Cognitive deficits are ameliorated by reduction in amyloid β accumulation in Tg2576/p75NTR +/− mice

AimsAmyloid β (Aβ) is considered to be an important mediator of the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Its direct binding to p75NTR, not TrkA, induces apoptosis, which is thought to be the most relevant feature of p75NTR regarding AD. In the present study we explored the regulation of p75NTR on Aβ production and accumulation during AD pathology. Materials and methodsWe generated Tg2576/p75NTR+/− mice by crossing the transgenic AD mice (Tg2576) with p75NTR−/− mice to lower the p75NTR level. Under these conditions, we evaluated cognitive function using the Morris water maze, pathology and process by which two types of Aβ (Aβ40 and Aβ42) are produced, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting. Key findingThe results showed that cognitive deficits were rescued in Tg2576/p75NTR+/− mice compared with those in Tg2576 mice. This cognitive functional recovery may be a consequence of a reduction in Aβ accumulation through the inhibition of β- and γ-secretase activities, without altering α-secretase activity. SignificanceHere, we investigated the mechanism by which p75NTR regulates Aβ production and accumulation. Better understanding the relationship between p75NTR and Aβ producing may help taking insight into the AD pathology.

Identification of the novel activity-driven interaction between synaptotagmin 1 and presenilin 1 links calcium, synapse, and amyloid beta.

BackgroundSynaptic loss strongly correlates with memory deterioration. Local accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) peptide, and neurotoxic Aβ42 in particular, due to abnormal neuronal activity may underlie synaptic dysfunction, neurodegeneration, and memory impairments. To gain an insight into molecular events underlying neuronal activity-regulated Aβ production at the synapse, we explored functional outcomes of the newly discovered calcium-dependent interaction between Alzheimer’s disease-associated presenilin 1 (PS1)/γ-secretase and synaptic vesicle proteins.ResultsMass spectrometry screen of mouse brain lysates identified synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1) as a novel synapse-specific PS1-binding partner that shows Ca2+-dependent PS1 binding profiles in vitro and in vivo. We found that Aβ level, and more critically, conformation of the PS1 and the Aβ42/40 ratio, are affected by Syt1 overexpression or knockdown, indicating that Syt1 and its interaction with PS1 might regulate Aβ production at the synapse. Moreover, β-secretase 1 (BACE1) stability, β- and γ-secretase activity, as well as intracellular compartmentalization of PS1 and BACE1, but not of amyloid precursor protein (APP), nicastrin (Nct), presenilin enhancer 2 (Pen-2), or synaptophysin (Syp) were altered in the absence of Syt1, suggesting a selective effect of Syt1 on PS1 and BACE1 trafficking.ConclusionsOur findings identify Syt1 as a novel Ca2+-sensitive PS1 modulator that could regulate synaptic Aβ, opening avenues for novel and selective synapse targeting therapeutic strategies.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12915-016-0248-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Tomoregulin (TMEFF2) Binds Alzheimer's Disease Amyloid-β (Aβ) Oligomer and AβPP and Protects Neurons from Aβ-Induced Toxicity.

Amyloid-β (Aβ) protein causes neurotoxicity and its abnormal aggregation into amyloid is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cellular proteins able to interact with Aβ or its precursor, AβPP (amyloid-β protein precursor), may regulate Aβ production and neurotoxicity. We identified a brain-enriched type I transmembrane protein, tomoregulin (TR), that directly binds Aβ and Aβ oligomers (AβO). TR co-immunoprecipitated with Aβ and AβO in cultured cells and co-localized with amyloid plaques and intraneuronal Aβ in the 5xFAD AD mouse model. TR was also enriched in astrocytic processes reactive to amyloid plaques. Surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy studies showed that the extracellular domain of TR binds to AβO with a high affinity (KD = 76.8 nM). Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy also demonstrated a physical interaction between spin-labeled Aβ and the TR extracellular domain in solution. Furthermore, TR also interacted with AβPP and enhanced its cleavage by α-secretase. Both cellular expression of TR and application of recombinant TR extracellular domain protected N2a neurons from AβO-induced neuronal death. These data provide first evidence that neuronal and astrocytic expression of TR is intimately related to Aβ metabolism and toxicity, and could be neuroprotective through its direct interaction with Aβ andAβPP.

β-Amyloid: the key peptide in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.

The amyloid β peptide (Aβ) is a critical initiator that triggers the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) via accumulation and aggregation, of which the process may be caused by Aβ overproduction or perturbation clearance. Aβ is generated from amyloid precursor protein through sequential cleavage of β- and γ-secretases while Aβ removal is dependent on the proteolysis and lysosome degradation system. Here, we overviewed the biogenesis and toxicity of Aβ as well as the regulation of Aβ production and clearance. Moreover, we also summarized the animal models correlated with Aβ that are essential in AD research. In addition, we discussed current immunotherapeutic approaches targeting Aβ to give some clues for exploring the more potentially efficient drugs for treatment of AD.

Proton myo-inositol cotransporter is a novel γ-secretase associated protein that regulates Aβ production without affecting Notch cleavage.

γ-Secretase is a transmembrane protease complex that is responsible for the processing of a multitude of type 1 transmembrane proteins, including the amyloid precursor protein and Notch. γ-Secretase processing of amyloid precursor protein results in the release of the amyloid β-peptide (Aβ), which is involved in the pathogenesis in Alzheimer's disease. Processing of Notch leads to the release of its intracellular domain, which is important for cell development. γ-Secretase associated proteins (GSAPs) could be of importance for substrate selection, and we have previously shown that affinity purification of γ-secretase in combination with mass spectrometry can be used for finding such proteins. In the present study, we used this methodology to screen for novel GSAPs from human brain, and studied their effect on Aβ production in a comprehensive gene knockdown approach. Silencing of probable phospholipid-transporting ATPase IIA, brain-derived neurotrophic factor/neurotrophin-3 growth factor receptor precursor and proton myo-inositol cotransporter (SLC2A13) showed a clear reduction of Aβ and these proteins were selected for further studies on Aβ production and Notch cleavage using small interfering RNA-mediated gene silencing, as well as an overexpression approach. Silencing of these reduced Aβ secretion in a small interfering RNA dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, SLC2A13 had a lower effect on Notch processing. Furthermore, overexpression of SLC2A13 increased Aβ40 generation. Finally, the interaction between γ-secretase and SLC2A13 was confirmed using immunoprecipitation and a proximity ligation assay. In summary, SLC2A13 was identified as a novel GSAP that regulates Aβ production without affecting Notch cleavage. We suggest that SLC2A13 could be a target for Aβ lowering therapy aimed at treating Alzheimer's disease.

Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α stimulates ADAM10-mediated proteolysis of APP

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) derivative β-amyloid (Aβ) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Sequential proteolysis of APP by β-secretase and γ-secretase generates Aβ. Conversely, the α-secretase "a disintegrin and metalloproteinase" 10 (ADAM10) cleaves APP within the eventual Aβ sequence and precludes Aβ generation. Therefore, up-regulation of ADAM10 represents a plausible therapeutic strategy to combat overproduction of neurotoxic Aβ. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) is a transcription factor that regulates genes involved in fatty acid metabolism. Here, we determined that the Adam10 promoter harbors PPAR response elements; that knockdown of PPARα, but not PPARβ or PPARγ, decreases the expression of Adam10; and that lentiviral overexpression of PPARα restored ADAM10 expression in Ppara(-/-) neurons. Gemfibrozil, an agonist of PPARα, induced the recruitment of PPARα:retinoid x receptor α, but not PPARγ coactivator 1α (PGC1α), to the Adam10 promoter in wild-type mouse hippocampal neurons and shifted APP processing toward the α-secretase, as determined by augmented soluble APPα and decreased Aβ production. Accordingly, Ppara(-/-) mice displayed elevated SDS-stable, endogenous Aβ and Aβ1-42 relative to wild-type littermates, whereas 5XFAD mice null for PPARα (5X/α(-/-)) exhibited greater cerebral Aβ load relative to 5XFAD littermates. These results identify PPARα as an important factor regulating neuronal ADAM10 expression and, thus, α-secretase proteolysis of APP.

Overexpression of ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) delays Alzheimer's progression in vivo.

Deposition of amyloid β protein (Aβ) to form neuritic plaques in the brain is the pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ is produced by β- and γ-cleavages of amyloid β precursor protein (APP). Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) is a de-ubiquitinating enzyme that cleaves ubiquitin at its carboxyl terminal. Dysfunction of UCHL1 has been reported in neurodegenerative diseases. However, whether UCHL1 affects Aβ production and AD progression remains unknown. Here we report that UCHL1 interacts with APP and regulates Aβ production. UCHL1 increases free ubiquitin level and accelerates the lysosomal degradation of APP by promoting its ubiquitination. Furthermore, we demonstrate that overexpression of UCHL1 by intracranial injection of UCHL1-expressing rAAV reduces Aβ production, inhibits neuritic plaque formation and improves memory deficits in AD transgenic model mice. Our study suggests that UCHL1 may delay Alzheimer's progression by regulating APP degradation in a long-term fashion, and that overexpression of UCHL1 may be a safe and effective disease-modifying strategy to treat AD.

Role of insulin resistance in Alzheimer's disease.

A critical role of insulin resistance (IR) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) includes beta-amyloid (Aβ) production and accumulation, the formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), failure of synaptic transmission and neuronal degeneration. Aβ is sequentially cleavaged from APP by two proteolytic enzymes: β-secretase and γ-secretase. IR could regulate Aβ production via enhancing β- and γ-secretase activity. Meanwhile, IR induces oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain which contributes to Aβ and tau pathology. Aβ accumulation can enhance IR through Aβ-mediated inflammation and oxidative stress. IR is a possible linking between amyloid plaques and NFTs pathology via oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Additionally, IR could disrupt acetylcholine activity, and accelerate axon degeneration and failures in axonal transport, and lead to cognitive impairment in AD. Preclinical and clinical studies have supported that insulin could be useful in the treatment of AD. Thus, an effective measure to inhibit IR may be a novel drug target in AD.

Sorting Nexin 27 Regulates Aβ Production through Modulating γ-Secretase Activity

Patients with Down syndrome (DS) invariably develop Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology in their 40s. We have recently found that overexpression of a chromosome 21-encoded microRNA-155 results in decreased levels of the membrane trafficking component, SNX27, diminishing glutamate receptor recycling and thereby impairing synaptic functions in DS. Here, we report a function of SNX27 in regulating β-amyloid (Aβ) generation by modulating γ-secretase activity. Downregulation of SNX27 using RNAi increased Aβ production, whereas overexpression of full-length SNX27, but not SNX27ΔPDZ, reversed the RNAi-mediated Aβ elevation. Moreover, genetic deletion of Snx27 promoted Aβ production and neuronal loss, whereas overexpression of SNX27 using an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector reduced hippocampal Aβ levels in a transgenic AD mouse model. SNX27 associates with the γ-secretase complex subunit presenilin 1; this interaction dissociates the γ-secretase complex, thus decreasing its proteolytic activity. Our study establishes a molecular mechanism for Aβ-dependent pathogenesis in both DS and AD.

Human secreted tau increases amyloid-beta production

The interaction of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease is a subject of intense inquiry, with the bulk of evidence indicating that changes in tau are downstream of Aβ. It has been shown however, that human tau overexpression in amyloid precursor protein transgenic mice increases Aβ plaque deposition. Here, we confirm that human tau increases Aβ levels. To determine if the observed changes in Aβ levels were because of intracellular or extracellular secreted tau (eTau for extracellular tau), we affinity purified secreted tau from Alzheimer's disease patient–derived cortical neuron conditioned media and analyzed it by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. We found the extracellular species to be composed predominantly of a series of N-terminal fragments of tau, with no evidence of C-terminal tau fragments. We characterized a subset of high affinity tau antibodies, each capable of engaging and neutralizing eTau. We found that neutralizing eTau reduces Aβ levels in vitro in primary human cortical neurons where exogenously adding eTau increases Aβ levels. In vivo, neutralizing human tau in 2 human tau transgenic models also reduced Aβ levels. We show that the human tau insert sequence is sufficient to cause the observed increase in Aβ levels. Our data furthermore suggest that neuronal hyperactivity may be the mechanism by which this regulation occurs. We show that neuronal hyperactivity regulates both eTau secretion and Aβ production. Electrophysiological analysis shows for the first time that secreted eTau causes neuronal hyperactivity. Its induction of hyperactivity may be the mechanism by which eTau regulates Aβ production. Together with previous findings, these data posit a novel connection between tau and Aβ, suggesting a dynamic mechanism of positive feed forward regulation. Aβ drives the disease pathway through tau, with eTau further increasing Aβ levels, perpetuating a destructive cycle.

The Amyloid Precursor Protein is rapidly transported from the Golgi apparatus to the lysosome and where it is processed into beta-amyloid.

BackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by cerebral deposition of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ). Aβ is produced by sequential cleavage of the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) by β- and γ-secretases. Many studies have demonstrated that the internalization of APP from the cell surface can regulate Aβ production, although the exact organelle in which Aβ is produced remains contentious. A number of recent studies suggest that intracellular trafficking also plays a role in regulating Aβ production, but these pathways are relatively under-studied. The goal of this study was to elucidate the intracellular trafficking of APP, and to examine the site of intracellular APP processing.ResultsWe have tagged APP on its C-terminal cytoplasmic tail with photoactivatable Green Fluorescent Protein (paGFP). By photoactivating APP-paGFP in the Golgi, using the Golgi marker Galactosyltranferase fused to Cyan Fluorescent Protein (GalT-CFP) as a target, we are able to follow a population of nascent APP molecules from the Golgi to downstream compartments identified with compartment markers tagged with red fluorescent protein (mRFP or mCherry); including rab5 (early endosomes) rab9 (late endosomes) and LAMP1 (lysosomes). Because γ-cleavage of APP releases the cytoplasmic tail of APP including the photoactivated GFP, resulting in loss of fluorescence, we are able to visualize the cleavage of APP in these compartments. Using APP-paGFP, we show that APP is rapidly trafficked from the Golgi apparatus to the lysosome; where it is rapidly cleared. Chloroquine and the highly selective γ-secretase inhibitor, L685, 458, cause the accumulation of APP in lysosomes implying that APP is being cleaved by secretases in the lysosome. The Swedish mutation dramatically increases the rate of lysosomal APP processing, which is also inhibited by chloroquine and L685, 458. By knocking down adaptor protein 3 (AP-3; a heterotetrameric protein complex required for trafficking many proteins to the lysosome) using siRNA, we are able to reduce this lysosomal transport. Blocking lysosomal transport of APP reduces Aβ production by more than a third.ConclusionThese data suggests that AP-3 mediates rapid delivery of APP to lysosomes, and that the lysosome is a likely site of Aβ production.