Loss of canonical Wnt signaling is involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease(AD) is the most common form of dementia in the older population, however, the precise cause of the disease is unknown. The neuropathology is characterized by the presence of aggregates formed by amyloid-β(Aβ) peptide and phosphorylated tau; which is accompanied by progressive impairment of memory. Diverse signaling pathways are linked to AD, and among these the Wnt signaling pathway is becoming increasingly relevant, since it plays essential roles in the adult brain. Initially, Wnt signaling activation was proposed as a neuroprotective mechanism against Aβ toxicity. Later, it was reported that it participates in tau phosphorylation and processes of learning and memory. Interestingly, in the last years we demonstrated that Wnt signaling is fundamental in amyloid precursor protein(APP) processing and that Wnt dysfunction results in Aβ production and aggregation in vitro. Recent in vivo studies reported that loss of canonical Wnt signaling exacerbates amyloid deposition in a transgenic(Tg) mouse model of AD. Finally, we showed that inhibition of Wnt signaling in a Tg mouse previously at the appearance of AD signs, resulted in memory loss, tau phosphorylation and Aβ formation and aggregation; indicating that Wnt dysfunction accelerated the onset of AD. More importantly, Wnt signaling loss promoted cognitive impairment, tau phosphorylation and Aβ1–42 production in the hippocampus of wild-type(WT) mice, contributing to the development of an Alzheimer's-like neurophatology. Therefore, in this review we highlight the importance of Wnt/β-catenin signaling dysfunction in the onset of AD and propose that the loss of canonical Wnt signaling is a triggering factor of AD.     

Clusterin in Alzheimer＇s disease： a player in the biological behavior of amyloid-beta

Alzheimer＇s disease （AD） remains a major killer, and although its pathogenesis varies, one dominant feature is an increase in the expression, formation, and sedimentation of senile plaques of amyloid-beta （Aβ） peptides in the brain. The chaperone protein clusterin has, since its first discovery at the end of the 20^th century, been labeled as a cytoprotector. However, epigenetic studies showing that clusterin is associated with the severity and risk of AD, especially in the hippocampus, triggered studies to clarify its role in the pathogenesis of AD. It is true that clusterin can inhibit the aggregation of Aβ and therefore prevent further formation of senile plaques in the AD brain, yet it induces the formation of soluble forms of Aβ which are toxic to neurons. Another problematic finding is that clusterin is involved in a pathway through which Aβ has neurodegenerative effects intracellularly. Although the role of clusterin in the pathogenesis of AD is still not clear, this review specifically discusses the interactions between clusterin and Aβ, to open up the possibility of a potential therapeutic approach for treating AD.     

Mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular metabolic deficiency in Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder. The pathology of AD includes amyloid-β (Aβ) deposits in neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau, as well as neuronal loss in specific brain regions. Increasing epidemiological and functional neuroimaging evidence indicates that global and regional disruptions in brain metabolism are involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. Aβ precursor protein is cleaved to produce both extracellular and intracellular Aβ, accumulation of which might interfere with the homeostasis of cellular metabolism. Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that not only supply the main energy to the cell but also regulate apoptosis. Mitochondrial dysfunction might contribute to Aβ neurotoxicity. In this review, we summarize the pathways ofAβ generation and its potential neurotoxic effects on cellular metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction.     

Comparative study of histopathology changes between the PS1/APP double transgenic mouse model and Aβ_(1-40)-injected rat model of Alzheimer disease

Objective To identify the genetype of the PS1/APP double transgenic mouse model, then to analyse the histopathological changes in the brain and compare the differences between the transgenic mice models and Aβ_(1-40)-injected rats models of Alzheimer disease. Methods The modified congo red staining, Nissl's staining and immunohistology staining was used to observe the Aβ deposits, activation of astrocyte respectively. Results ①The PS1/APP transgenic mouse extensively displayed Aβ deposits in the cortex and hippocampal structures, and GFAP positive cells were aggregated in mass and surrounded the congo red-positive plaque. ②The Aβ_(1-40)-intrahippocampal-injected rat model showed the Aβ plaque deposits in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, with the astrocyte surrounded. The neurons loss was significant in the injection point and pin hole of injection with Nissl's staining methods. GFAP-positive cells increased significantly compared with the uninjected lateral of the hippocampus. Conclusion Although Aβ_(1-40)-injected rat models could simulate some characteristic pathological features of human Alzheimer diseases, Aβ deposits and neurons loss in partial hippocampal, it would not simulate the progressive degenenration in the brain of AD. The double transgenie PS1/APP mice could simulate the specific pathogenesis and progressive changes of AD, mainly is Aβ deposits and the spongiocyte response, while no neurons loss were observed in this model.     

Autolysosomal acidification impairment as a mediator for TNFR1 induced neuronal necroptosis in Alzheimer's disease

<正>Neuronal necroptosis-an emerging form of regulated cell death associated with neuroinflammatory signaling:Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the presence of extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and intracellular ta u neurofibrillary tangles as well as progressive neuronal loss.     

ApoE2 and Alzheimer’s disease：time to take a closer look

正Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is the most common form of dementia among the elderly.It currently affects approximately 5.1 million Americans,a number predicted to triple by 2050.AD is clinically manifested as progressive loss of memory and cognitive function,and is characterized pathologically by the formation of amyloid-beta(Aβ)plaques and neurofibrillary tangles(NFT).Since its discovery in 1906,extensive     

Diagnostic and therapeutic potential of exosomal miRNAs in Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is a primary cause of dementia.AD is a neurodegenerative disorder,characterized by synapses loss,extracellular amyloid plaques composed of the amyloid-βpeptide(Aβ)and intracellular aggregates of hyperphosphorylated tau protein.AD is a complex disease linked to multiple interacting factors,both environmental and genetic,which can contribute to the onset and severity of the disease.Longitudinal studies have highlighted several cardiovascular risk factors that can increase the risk of AD.The genetic landscape of AD has changed dramatically in recent decades.Early studies identified mutations in the amyloid precursor protein gene(APP)as well as proteins that are involved in the enzymatic cleavage of APP to toxicβ-amyloid(Aβ),namely presenilin-1 and presnilin-2.However,these mutations were found in familial cases of early-onset AD,while the causes of sporadic late-onset AD are still unknown.The latest advances in Genomewide Association Studies(GWAS),sequencing,and bioinformatics have begun to unravel the complex genetic architecture of the sporadic form of AD.GWAS were able to uncover common variants with high frequency in the population that individually carried low risk(Robinson et al.,2017).The advent of next-generation and thirdgeneration sequencing platforms shows great promise in further unravelling the genetics of AD.     

Comparative study of histopathology changes between the PS1/APP double transgenic mouse model and Aβ1-40 -injected rat model of Alzheimer disease

Objective To identify the genetype of the PS1/APP double transgenie mouse model, then to analyse the histopathological changes in the brain and compare the differences between the transgenie mice models and Aβ1-40-injeeted rats models of Alzheimer disease. Methods The modified congo red staining, Nissl＇s staining and immunohistology staining was used to observe the Aβ deposits, activation of astrocyte respectively. Results ①The PS1/APP transgenic mouse extensively displayed Aβ deposits in the cortex and hippocampal structures, and GFAP positive cells were aggregated in mass and surrounded the congo red-positive plaque. ②The Aβ1-40-intrahippocmnpal-injeeted rat model showed the Aβ plaque deposits in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, with the astrocyte surrounded. The neurons loss was significant in the injection point and pin hole of injection with Nissl＇s staining methods. GFAP-positive cells increased significantly compared with the uninjected lateral of the hippocampus. Conclusion Although Aβ1-40-injected rat models could simulate some characteristic pathological features of human Alzheimer diseases, Aβ deposits and neurons loss in partial hippocampal, it would not simulate the progressive degenenration in the brain of AD. The double transgenie PS1/APP mice could simulate the specific pathogenesis and progressive changes of AD, mainly is Aβ deposits and the spongiocyte response , while no neurons loss were observed in this model.     

Autophagy is involved in oral rAAV/Aβ vaccine-induced Aβ clearance in APP/PS1 transgenic mice

The imbalance between β-amyloid(Aβ) generation and clearance plays a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer 's disease(AD). The sporadic form of AD is characterized by an overall impairment in Aβ clearance. Immunotherapy targeting Aβ clearance is believed to be a promising approach and is under active clinical investigation. Autophagy is a conserved pathway for degrading abnormal protein aggregates and is crucial for Aβ clearance. We previously reported that oral vaccination with a recombinant AAV/Aβ vaccine increased the clearance of Aβ from the brain and improved cognitive ability in AD animal models, while the underlying mechanisms were not well understood. In this study, we first demonstrated that oral vaccination with rAAV/Aβ decreased the p62 level and up-regulated the LC3BII/LC3B-I ratio in APP/PS1 mouse brain, suggesting enhanced autophagy. Further, inhibition of the Akt/m TOR pathway may account for autophagy enhancement. We also found increased anti-Aβ antibodies in the sera of APP/PS1 mice with oralvaccination, accompanied by elevation of complement factors C1 q and C3 levels in the brain. Our results indicate that autophagy is closely involved in oral vaccination-induced Aβ clearance, and modulating the autophagy pathway may be an important strategy for AD prevention and intervention.     

Apolipoprotein E,amyloid-beta,and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer＇s disease

Alzheimer＇s disease （AD） is characterized by the accumulation and deposition of amyloid-beta （Aβ） peptides in the brain. Neuroinflammation occurs in the AD brain and plays a critical role in the neurodegenerative pathology. Particularly, Aβ evokes an inflammatory response that leads to synaptic dysfunction, neuronal death, and neurodegeneration. Apolipoprotein E （ApoE） proteins are involved in cholesterol transport, Aβ binding and clearance, and synaptic functions in the brain. The ApoE4 isoform is a key risk factor for AD, while the ApoE2 isoform has a neuroprotective effect. However, studies have reached different conclusions about the roles of the isoforms; some show that both ApoE3 and ApoE4 have anti-inflammatory effects, while others show that ApoE4 causes a predisposition to inflammation or promotes an inflammatory response following lipopolysaccharide treatment. These discrepancies may result from the differences in models, cell types, experimental conditions, and inflammatory stimuli used. Further, little was known about the role of ApoE isoforms in the Aβ-induced inflammatory response and in the neuroinflammation of AD. Our recent work showed that ApoE isoforms differentially regulate and modify the Aβ-induced inflammatory response in neural cells, with ApoE2 suppressing and ApoE4 promoting the response. In this article, we review the roles, mechanisms, and interrelations among Aβ, ApoE, and neuroinflammation in AD.     

降低细胞胆固醇水平对β-淀粉样肽生成的影响

目的观察降低细胞胆固醇水平对β-淀粉样肽(β-amyloid,Aβ)生成的影响,初步探讨胆固醇和阿尔茨海默病(Alzheimer's disease,AD)的相关性。方法以稳定表达人野生型淀粉样前体蛋白(amyloid precursor protein,APP)的神经母细胞瘤SH-SY5Y细胞为模型,分别给予β-甲基环糊精或洛伐他汀对细胞系进行处理;胆固醇定量试剂盒测定细胞内胆固醇水平的变化,放射免疫法测定细胞培养液中Aβ的含量,Western Blot方法半定量检测全长型APP和可溶性APPα的水平。结果β-甲基环糊精和洛伐他汀处理组分别降低细胞胆固醇水平67.5%和49.5%(P<0.05),细胞培养液中Aβ含量分别降低39.5%和25.7%(P<0.05),sAPPα含量分别增加3.5倍和2.0倍(P<0.05)。结论降低细胞胆固醇水平使细胞外Aβ含量减少,sAPPα含量增加,这提示胆固醇可能通过影响APP代谢途径而参与AD的病理过程。     

The upside of APP at synapses

The memory dysfunctions that characterize Alzheimer's disease (AD) are strongly correlated with synapse loss. The amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its cleavage product Aβ play central roles in synapse and memory loss, and thus are strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of AD. Numerous in vitro and transgenic AD mouse model studies have shown that overexpression of APP leads to Aβ accumulation, which causes decreased synaptic activity and dendritic spine density. However, the normal synaptic function of APP itself is not fully understood. Several recent studies have found that full-length APP promotes synaptic activity, synapse formation, and dendritic spine formation. These findings cast APP as a potential key player in learning and memory. It is of interest that the synaptic functions of full-length APP are opposite to the effects associated with pathological Aβ accumulation. In this review, we will summarize the normal functions of APP at synapses and spines along with other known functions of APP, including its role in cell motility, neuronal migration, and neurite outgrowth. These studies shed light on the physiological actions of APP, independent of Aβ effects, and thus lead to a better understanding of the synaptic dysfunctions associated with AD.     

Secreted amyloid precursor protein and holo‐APP bind amyloid β through distinct domains eliciting different toxic responses on hippocampal neurons

Amyloid β (Aβ) is a metabolic product of Aβ precursor protein (APP). Deposition of Aβ in the brain and neuronal degeneration are characteristic hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ induces neuronal degeneration, but the mechanism of neurotoxicity remains elusive. Increasing evidence implicates APP as a receptor‐like protein for Aβ fibrils (fAβ). In this study, we present further experimental support for the direct interaction of APP with fAβ and for its involvement in Aβ neurotoxicity. Using recombinant purified holo‐APP (h‐APP), we have shown that it directly binds fAβ. Employing deletion mutant forms of APP, we show that two different sequences are involved in the binding of APP to fAβ. One sequence in the n‐terminus of APP is required for binding of fAβ to secreted APP (s‐APP) but not to h‐APP. In addition, the extracellular juxtamembrane Aβ‐sequence mediates binding of fAβ to h‐APP but not to s‐APP. Deletion of the extracellular juxtamembrane Aβ sequence abolishes abnormal h‐APP accumulation and toxicity induced by fAβ deposition, whereas deletions in the n‐terminus of APP do not affect Aβ toxicity. These experiments show that interaction of toxic Aβ species with its membrane‐anchored parental protein promotes toxicity in hippocampal neurons, adding further support to an Aβ‐receptor‐like function of APP directly implicated in neuronal degeneration in AD. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Intracellular pH regulates amyloid precursor protein intracellular domain accumulation

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) metabolism is central to pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Parenchymal amyloid deposits, a neuropathological hallmark of AD, are composed of amyloid-beta peptides (Abeta). Abeta derives from the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by sequential cleavages by beta- and gamma-secretases. Gamma-secretase cleavage releases the APP intracellular domain (AICD), suggested to mediate a nuclear signaling. Physiologically, AICD is seldom detected and thus supposed to be rapidly degraded. The mechanisms responsible of its degradation remain unknown. We used a pharmacological approach and showed that several alkalizing drugs induce the accumulation of AICD in neuroblastoma SY5Y cell lines stably expressing APP constructs. Moreover, alkalizing drugs induce AICD accumulation in naive SY5Y, HEK and COS cells. This accumulation is not mediated by the proteasome or metallopeptidases and is not the result of an increased gamma-secretase activity since the gamma-secretase cleavage of Notch1 and N-Cadherin is not affected by alkalizing drug treatments. Altogether, our data demonstrate for the first time that alkalizing drugs induce the accumulation of AICD, a mechanism likely mediated by the endosome/lysosome pathway.     

糖基化终末产物对人神经母细胞瘤细胞APP表达及Aβ生成的影响

目的通过研究糖基化终末产物（AGEs-BSA）以及阻断其与特异性受体RAGE的结合对培养的人神经母细胞瘤细胞（SH-SY5Y）淀粉样前体蛋白（amyloid precursor protein,APP）的表达以及β淀粉样蛋白（β-amyloid,Aβ）生成的影响。方法以培养的SH-SY5Y细胞为模型,将细胞随机分为4组,空白对照组、BSA组、AGEs-BSA组、AGEs-BSA＋抗RAGE中和抗体组。用MTT法观察细胞形态以及确定AGEs-BSA的最佳干预时间及浓度。用免疫细胞化学方法及免疫印迹方法来检测各组细胞内APP、RAGE表达和Aβ生成情况。结果不同蛋白浓度的BSA处理细胞24、48、72h,与空白对照组比较细胞MTT代谢率,APP、RAGE及Aβ的表达水平没有明显差异,（P〉0.05）;不同蛋白浓度的AGEs-BSA（〉50μg/ml）处理细胞与BSA组比较,细胞MTT代谢率明显降低,并随蛋白浓度升高差异越明显,APP、RAGE、Aβ的表达水平较BSA组明显增加（P〈0.05）,预先用抗RAGE中和抗体（1∶100）1h后再加入AGEs-BSA,APP、Aβ的表达水平较AGEs-BSA组明显减少（P〈0.05）,但仍高于BSA组（P〈0.05）。结论糖基化终末产物能够促使SH-SY5Y细胞中APP、RAGE、Aβ的表达和生成增加。通过阻断其与特异性受体RAGE的结合可以部分减少APP、Aβ的表达和生成。     

线粒体相关性β淀粉样前体蛋白及线粒体相关性β淀粉样蛋白针对阿尔茨海默病致病机制的研究

线粒体相关性β淀粉样前体蛋白(APP)和线粒体相关性β淀粉样蛋白(Aβ)正逐渐成为研究阿尔茨海默病(AD)病理生理学改变的热点。线粒体相关性APP和线粒体相关性Aβ是指以线粒体为特异性靶点,存在于线粒体膜上或沉积于线粒体基质内的APP和Aβ。文中将分别介绍线粒体相关性APP和线粒体相关性Aβ的来源、结构、功能等方面的研究进展,揭示其与AD发病的密切关系。     

The role of TMP21 in trafficking and amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) processing in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder leading to dementia. A major neuropathological hallmark of AD is the deposition of amyloid-β protein (Aβ) in the form of neuritic plaques. Aβ is formed by the sequential cleavage of amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) by β- and γ -secretase. It was recently suggested that TMP21 is a novel member of the γ-secretase complex which negatively regulates APP cleavage at the γ-site, but does not affect cleavage of APP or Notch at the -site . In vitro knockdown of TMP21 increases Aβ production and AD patients have less TMP21 expressed in their brains, suggesting that a deficiency in TMP21 may exacerbate AD pathology. TMP21 is most commonly known for its role in vesicle trafficking. Here we present the most recent research on TMP21 in relation to AD, including TMP21's roles in the modulation of γ-secretase activity and protein trafficking.     

Arsenic affects expression and processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in primary neuronal cells overexpressing the Swedish mutation of human APP

Arsenic poisoning due to contaminated water and soil, mining waste, glass manufacture, select agrochemicals, as well as sea food, affects millions of people world wide. Recently, an involvement of arsenic in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been hypothesized (Gong and O’Bryant, 2010). The present study stresses the hypothesis whether sodium arsenite, and its main metabolite, dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), may affect expression and processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), using the cholinergic cell line SN56.B5.G4 and primary neuronal cells overexpressing the Swedish mutation of APP, as experimental approaches.Exposure of cholinergic SN56.B5.G4 cells with either sodium arsenite or DMA decreased cell viability in a concentration- and exposure-time dependent manner, and affected the activities of the cholinergic enzymes acetylcholinesterase and choline acetyltransferase. Both sodium arsenite and DMA exposure of SN56.B5.G4 cells resulted in enhanced level of APP, and sAPP in the membrane and cytosolic fractions, respectively. To reveal any effect of arsenic on APP processing, the amounts of APP cleavage products, sAPPβ, and β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides, released into the culture medium of primary neuronal cells derived from transgenic Tg2576 mice, were assessed by ELISA. Following exposure of neuronal cells by sodium arsenite for 12 h, the membrane-bound APP level was enhanced, the amount of sAPPβ released into the culture medium was slightly higher, while the levels of Aβ peptides in the culture medium were considerably lower as compared to that assayed in the absence of any drug. The sodium arsenite-induced reduction of Aβ formation suggests an inhibition of the APP γ-cleavage step by arsenite. In contrast, DMA exposure of neuronal cells considerably increased formation of Aβ and sAPPβ, accompanied by enhanced membrane APP level. The DMA-induced changes in APP processing may be the result of the enhanced APP expression. Alternatively, increased Aβ production may also be due to stimulation of caspase activity by arsenic compounds, or failure in Aβ degradation.In summary, the present report clearly demonstrates that sodium arsenite and DMA affect processing of APP in vitro.     

Roles of O-GlcNAcylation on amyloid-β precursor protein processing,tau phosphorylation,and hippocampal synapses dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer disease (AD), a central nervous system degenerative disease, is characterized by abnormal deposition of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), neurofibrillary tangles formed by hyperphosphorylated tau and synaptic loss. It is widely accepted that Aβ is the chief culprit of AD. Aβ peptide is the cleavage product of amyloid-β precursor protein (APP). Recently, more attention has been paid to O-linked β-N-acetylglucosaminylation (O-GlcNAcylation) modification of protein. O-GlcNAcylation plays a significant role in hippocampal synaptic function. Abated O-GlcNAcylation might be a modulator in progression of AD through regulating activity of pertinent enzymes and factors. Evidence suggests that enhanced O-GlcNAcylation interacts with tau phosphorylation and prevents brain from tau and Aβ-induced impairment. Here, we review the roles of O-GlcNAcylation in APP cleavage, tau phosphorylation and hippocampal synapses function.