gamma-secretase processing of APLP1 leads to the production of a p3-like peptide that does not aggregate and is not toxic to neurons

Brain Res. 2009 Mar 25:1262:89-99. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.01.008. Epub 2009 Jan 18.

Abstract

The amyloid precursor-like protein-1 (APLP1) is a member of a protein family that includes the Alzheimer's disease-associated amyloid precursor protein (APP). While much is known about the proteolytic processing of APP, fewer details are available about APLP1. Using Chinese hamster ovarian cells stably transfected with human APLP1 and a novel juxtamembrane anti-APLP1 antibody, we demonstrate the detection of a secreted approximately 3.5 kDa APLP1-derived peptide (ALP-1). The production of this peptide is abolished by inhibition of gamma-secretase, but not beta-secretase, suggesting that ALP-1 is analogous to the p3 fragment produced from APP. However, unlike p3 or Abeta, ALP-1 shows no obvious propensity for aggregation and is not toxic to neuronal cells. Moreover, using two distinct experimental paradigms, we demonstrate that neither cell-derived nor chemically synthesized ALP-1 influences the oligomerization or aggregation of Abeta.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism*
  • Alzheimer Disease / pathology
  • Alzheimer Disease / physiopathology*
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / metabolism*
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / genetics*
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / immunology
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Antibodies / pharmacology
  • CHO Cells
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cricetinae
  • Cricetulus
  • Culture Media, Conditioned / pharmacology
  • Hippocampus / cytology
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Neurons / cytology
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Neurotoxins / genetics
  • Neurotoxins / metabolism
  • Peptide Fragments / chemical synthesis
  • Peptide Fragments / genetics
  • Peptide Fragments / metabolism
  • Rabbits
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Transfection

Substances

  • APLP1 protein, human
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor
  • Antibodies
  • Culture Media, Conditioned
  • Neurotoxins
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases