Altered levels of PP2A regulatory B/PR55 isoforms indicate role in neuronal differentiation

The ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine-specific protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is prominent in brain where it serves a wide range of functions under both physiological and pathological conditions. PP2A holoenzymes are composed of a catalytic subunit and a tightly complexed scaffolding subunit. This core enzyme associates with regulatory subunits of the B/PR55, B'/PR56/PR61, B'/PR72 and B'/PR93/PR110 families. We previously determined distribution and expression levels of the four members of the B/PR55 family in brain, as dysregulation of this subunit family has been specifically implicated in neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease. In the present study, we used cell lines widely used in neuroscience research to determine levels of the four PR55 isoforms by qRT-PCR under different experimental conditions. We show that PR55alpha mRNA levels are highest in both HEK293 cells and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells whereas PR55beta levels are lowest. Stepwise neuronal differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells causes the selective upregulation of PR55beta, and to some extent PR55gamma and PR55delta, but not PR55alpha mRNAs. In agreement with the qRT-PCR analysis, neuronal differentiation does not alter PR55alpha protein levels, whereas interestingly, PR55beta and PR55gamma protein levels are reduced when compared to undifferentiated cells. Our data point at specific roles for distinct regulatory B/PR55 subunits of PP2A in neuron-like cells with PR55alpha being the major isoform.