Pathogenic PS1 phosphorylation at Ser367

Alzheimer's disease linked Aβ42 exerts product feedback inhibition on γ-secretase impairing downstream cell signaling

Amyloid β (Aβ) peptides accumulating in the brain are proposed to trigger Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, molecular cascades underlying their toxicity are poorly defined. Here, we explored a novel hypothesis for Aβ42 toxicity that arises from its proven affinity for γ-secretases. We hypothesized that the reported increases in Aβ42, particularly in the endolysosomal compartment, promote the establishment of a product feedback inhibitory mechanism on γ-secretases, and thereby impair downstream signaling events. We show that human Aβ42 peptides, but neither murine Aβ42 nor human Aβ17-42 (p3), inhibit γ-secretases and trigger accumulation of unprocessed substrates in neurons, including C-terminal fragments (CTFs) of APP, p75 and pan-cadherin. Moreover, Aβ42 treatment dysregulated cellular -homeostasis, as shown by the induction of p75-dependent neuronal death in two distinct cellular systems. Our findings raise the possibility that pathological elevations in Aβ42 contribute to cellular toxicity via the γ-secretase inhibition, and provide a novel conceptual framework to address Aβ toxicity in the context of γ-secretase-dependent homeostatic signaling.

Rare A360T Mutation Alters GSK3β(Ser9) Binding in the Cytosolic Loop of Presenilin 1, Influencing β-Catenin Nuclear Localization and Pro-Death Gene Expression in Alzheimer's Disease Case

Presenilin 1 (PS1) forms, via its large cytosolic loop, a trimeric complex with N-cadherin and β-catenin, which is a key component of Wnt signaling. PS1 undergoes phosphorylation at 353 and 357 serines upon enhanced activity and elevated levels of the GSK3β isoform. PS1 mutations surrounding these serines may alter the stability of the β-catenin complex. Such mutations are found in some cases of familial early-onset Alzheimer's disease (fEOAD), but their functional impact remains obscure. One of such variants of PS1, the A360T substitution, is located close to GSK3β-targeted serine residues. This variant was recently demonstrated in the French population, but more detail is needed to understand its biological effects. To assess the significance of this variant, we employed functional studies using a fibroblast cell line from an Alzheimer's disease case (a female proband) carrying the A360T mutation. Based on functional transcriptomic, cellular, and biochemical assays, we demonstrated atypically impaired β-catenin/GSK3β signaling in the A360T patient's fibroblasts. In detail, this was characterized by a decreased level of active cytosolic β-catenin and bound by PS1, an increased level of nuclear β-catenin, an increased level of inhibited GSK3β phosphorylated on Ser9, and enhanced interaction of GSK3β(Ser9) with PS1. Based on the transcriptomic profile of the A360T fibroblasts, we proposed a dysregulated transcriptional activity of β-catenin, exemplified by increased expression of various cyclin-dependent kinases and cyclins, such as cyclin D1, potentially inducing neurons' cell cycle re-entry followed by apoptosis. The A360T cells did not exhibit significant amyloid pathology. Therefore, cell death in this PS1 cytosolic loop mutation may be attributed to impaired β-catenin/GSK3β signaling rather than amyloid deposition per se. We further estimated the biological and clinical relevance of the A360T variant by whole exome sequencing (WES). WES was performed on DNA from the blood of an A360T female proband, as well as an unrelated male patient carrying the A360T mutation and his mutation-free daughter (both unavailable for the derivation of the fibroblast cell lines). WES confirmed the highest-priority AD causality of the A360T variant in PS1 and also profiled the pathways and processes involved in the A360T case, highlighting the greatest importance of altered Wnt signaling.

The novel anti-colitic effect of β-adrenergic receptors via modulation of PS1/BACE-1/Aβ axis and NOTCH signaling in an ulcerative colitis model

Although dysautonomia was documented in inflammatory bowel disease, with activation of the stress-related sympathetic system, the role of agonists/antagonists of the adrenergic receptors is not conclusive. Moreover, ulcerative colitis was recently linked to dementia, but the potential role of the presenilin 1(PS1)/BACE-1/beta-amyloid (Aβ) axis has not been evaluated. Hence, we investigated the impact of mirabegron (β3-agonist) and/or carvedilol (β1/β2 antagonist) on iodoacetamide-induced ulcerative colitis with emphasis on the novel pathomechanism of the PS1/BACE-1/Aβ axis in ulcerative colitis, and its relation to the inflammatory cascade, fibrotic processes, and the gut barrier dysfunction. Ulcerated rats were either left untreated or treated for 8 days with mirabegron and/or carvedilol. Besides minimizing colon edema and weight loss, and improving colon structure, mirabegron and/or carvedilol abated colonic PS1/BACE-1/Aβ axis and the NOTCH1/NICD/HES1 hub besides the inflammatory cascade GSK3-β/NF-κΒ/TNF-α, and the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde. The anti-fibrotic effect was verified by boosting SMAD-7 and inhibiting TGF-β1, α-SMA immunoexpression, and MTC staining. Moreover, the drugs improved the gut barrier function, attested by the increased goblet cells and expression of E-cadherin, and the inhibited expression of p (Y654)-β-catenin to preserve the E-cadherin/β-catenin adherens junction (AJ). These signaling pathways may be orchestrated by the replenished PPAR-γ, a transcription factor known for its anti-colitic effect. Conclusion: Besides maintaining the gut barrier, mirabegron and/or carvedilol mediated their anti-colitic effect by their anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic capacities. The therapeutic effect of these drugs depends partly on suppressing the harmful signaling pathways PS1/BACE-1/Aβ, NOTCH1/NICD/HES1, GSK3-β/NF-κΒ/TNF-α, and TGF-1β/α-SMA while enhancing PPAR-γ, SMAD-7, mucus, and AJ.

Evaluation of the Clinical Features Accompanied by the Gene Mutations: The 2 Novel PSEN1 Variants in a Turkish Early-onset Alzheimer Disease Cohort

INTRODUCTION

Early-onset Alzheimer disease (EOAD) is an earlier Alzheimer disease form which is characterized by the mutations in the amyloid precursor protein, presenilin-1/2 (PSEN1/2), and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2). However, it is still necessary to report mutational screening in multiethnic groups to improve the genetic background of EOAD due to the variant classification challenge.

METHODS

We performed targeted sequencing for the amyloid precursor protein, PSEN1, PSEN2, and TREM2 genes in 74 patients and 1 family diagnosed with EOAD.

RESULTS

Among the detected variants, 8 were coding and 6 were noncoding in 15 of 74 patients. In PSEN1, 2 pathogenic coding variants (T274K and L364P) detected in 2 patients were novel and 3 coding variants (G183V, E318G, and L219P) detected in 2 patients were previously reported. We found 4 patients with the compound heterozygosity for the PSEN2 A23= and N43= and a family with the coexistence of them, and 1 patient with TREM2 Y38C. The coding variation frequency was 12.1%. In silico analysis indicated pathogenic potentials and clinical interpretations of the detected variants.

CONCLUSION

Our study reveals the rare gene variants including novel ones from the Turkish EOAD cohort and provides to clinicians the list of detected variants in the screened genes, which may also be useful for accurate genetic counseling.

A Novel NIR-FRET Biosensor for Reporting PS/γ-Secretase Activity in Live Cells

Presenilin (PS)/γ-secretase plays a pivotal role in essential cellular events via proteolytic processing of transmembrane proteins that include APP and Notch receptors. However, how PS/γ-secretase activity is spatiotemporally regulated by other molecular and cellular factors and how the changes in PS/γ-secretase activity influence signaling pathways in live cells are poorly understood. These questions could be addressed by engineering a new tool that enables multiplexed imaging of PS/γ-secretase activity and additional cellular events in real-time. Here, we report the development of a near-infrared (NIR) FRET-based PS/γ-secretase biosensor, C99 720-670 probe, which incorporates an immediate PS/γ-secretase substrate APP C99 with miRFP670 and miRFP720 as the donor and acceptor fluorescent proteins, respectively. Extensive validation demonstrates that the C99 720-670 biosensor enables quantitative monitoring of endogenous PS/γ-secretase activity on a cell-by-cell basis in live cells (720/670 ratio: 2.47 ± 0.66 (vehicle) vs. 3.02 ± 1.17 (DAPT), ** p < 0.01). Importantly, the C99 720-670 and the previously developed APP C99 YPet-Turquoise-GL (C99 Y-T) biosensors simultaneously report PS/γ-secretase activity. This evidences the compatibility of the C99 720-670 biosensor with cyan (CFP)-yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-based FRET biosensors for reporting other essential cellular events. Multiplexed imaging using the novel NIR biosensor C99 720-670 would open a new avenue to better understand the regulation and consequences of changes in PS/γ-secretase activity.

Mechanisms of neurodegeneration - Insights from familial Alzheimer's disease

The rising prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD), together with the lack of effective treatments, portray it as one of the major health challenges of our times. Untangling AD implies advancing the knowledge of the biology that gets disrupted during the disease while deciphering the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to AD-related neurodegeneration. In fact, a solid mechanistic understanding of the disease processes stands as an essential prerequisite for the development of safe and effective treatments. Genetics has provided invaluable clues to the genesis of the disease by revealing deterministic genes - Presenilins (PSENs) and the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) - that, when affected, lead in an autosomal dominant manner to early-onset, familial AD (FAD). PSEN is the catalytic subunit of the membrane-embedded γ-secretase complexes, which act as proteolytic switches regulating key cell signalling cascades. Importantly, these intramembrane proteases are responsible for the production of Amyloid β (Aβ) peptides from APP. The convergence of pathogenic mutations on one functional pathway, the amyloidogenic cleavage of APP, strongly supports the significance of this process in AD pathogenesis. Here, we review and discuss the state-of-the-art knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying FAD, their implications for the sporadic form of the disease and for the development of safe AD therapeutics.

Visualization of PS/γ-Secretase Activity in Living Cells

A change in Presenilin (PS)/γ-secretase activity is linked to essential biological events as well as to the progression of many diseases. However, not much is known about how PS/γ-secretase activity is spatiotemporally regulated in cells. One of the limitations is lack of tools to directly monitor dynamic behavior of the PS/γ-secretase in intact/live cells. Here we present successful development and validation of the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors that enable quantitative monitoring of endogenous PS/γ-secretase activity in live cells longitudinally on a cell-by-cell basis. Using these FRET biosensors, we uncovered that PS/γ-secretase activity is heterogeneously regulated among live neurons.

Synapsin 1 promotes Aβ generation via BACE1 modulation

It has been revealed that β-amyloid (Aβ) is generated and released from the presynaptic terminals in activity-dependent manner. However, molecules modulating the presynaptic Aβ generation remain elusive. Here we test the hypothesis that Synapsin 1 (Syn1) may acts as a modulator of the Aβ production. Using biochemical and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based imaging approaches we have found that Syn1 knock down decreases, whereas (over)expression of Syn1 in cells increases the Aβ levels. Mechanistically, Syn1 does not seem to affect the activity of Presenilin 1 (PS1)/γ-secretase, PS1 conformation, or the proximity between PS1 and amyloid precursor protein (APP). However, we found that Syn1 is involved in up-regulation of the β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1)/β-secretase activity and increases the APP/BACE1 interaction. Therefore, we conclude that Syn1 may promote Aβ production via the modulation of BACE1.

Alzheimer's Disease: From Firing Instability to Homeostasis Network Collapse

Alzheimer's disease (AD) starts from pure cognitive impairments and gradually progresses into degeneration of specific brain circuits. Although numerous factors initiating AD have been extensively studied, the common principles underlying the transition from cognitive deficits to neuronal loss remain unknown. Here we describe an evolutionarily conserved, integrated homeostatic network (IHN) that enables functional stability of central neural circuits and safeguards from neurodegeneration. We identify the critical modules comprising the IHN and propose a central role of neural firing in controlling the complex homeostatic network at different spatial scales. We hypothesize that firing instability and impaired synaptic plasticity at early AD stages trigger a vicious cycle, leading to dysregulation of the whole IHN. According to this hypothesis, the IHN collapse represents the major driving force of the transition from early memory impairments to neurodegeneration. Understanding the core elements of homeostatic control machinery, the reciprocal connections between distinct IHN modules, and the role of firing homeostasis in this hierarchy has important implications for physiology and should offer novel conceptual approaches for AD and other neurodegenerative disorders.

The presenilin loop region is essential for glycogen synthase kinase 3 β (GSK3β) mediated functions on motor proteins during axonal transport

Neurons require intracellular transport of essential components for function and viability and defects in transport has been implicated in many neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). One possible mechanism by which transport defects could occur is by improper regulation of molecular motors. Previous work showed that reduction of presenilin (PS) or glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) stimulated amyloid precursor protein vesicle motility. Excess GSK3β caused transport defects and increased motor binding to membranes, while reduction of PS decreased active GSK3β and motor binding to membranes. Here, we report that functional PS and the catalytic loop region of PS is essential for the rescue of GSK3β-mediated axonal transport defects. Disruption of PS loop (PSΔE9) or expression of the non-functional PS variant, PSD447A, failed to rescue axonal blockages in vivo. Further, active GSK3β associated with and phosphorylated kinesin-1 in vitro. Our observations together with previous work that showed that the loop region of PS interacts with GSK3β propose a scaffolding mechanism for PS in which the loop region sequesters GSK3β away from motors for the proper regulation of motor function. These findings are important to uncouple the complex regulatory mechanisms that likely exist for motor activity during axonal transport in vivo.

The APMAP interactome reveals new modulators of APP processing and beta-amyloid production that are altered in Alzheimer's disease

The adipocyte plasma membrane-associated protein APMAP is expressed in the brain where it associates with γ-secretase, a protease responsible for the generation of the amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, behavioral investigations revealed spatial learning and memory deficiencies in our newly generated mouse line lacking the protein APMAP. In a mouse model of AD, the constitutive deletion of APMAP worsened the spatial memory phenotype and led to increased Aβ production and deposition into senile plaques. To investigate at the molecular level the neurobiological functions of APMAP (memory and Aβ formation) and a possible link with the pathological hallmarks of AD (memory impairment and Aβ pathology), we next developed a procedure for the high-grade purification of cellular APMAP protein complexes. The biochemical characterization of these complexes revealed a series of new APMAP interactomers. Among these, the heat shock protein HSPA1A and the cation-dependent mannose-6-phosphate receptor (CD-M6PR) negatively regulated APP processing and Aβ production, while clusterin, calnexin, arginase-1, PTGFRN and the cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptor (CI-M6PR/IGF2R) positively regulated APP and Aβ production. Several of the newly identified APMAP interactomers contribute to the autophagy-lysosome system, further supporting an emergent agreement that this pathway can modulate APP metabolism and Aβ generation. Importantly, we have also demonstrated increased alternative splicing of APMAP and lowered levels of the Aβ controllers HSPA1A and CD-M6PR in human brains from neuropathologically verified AD cases.

Soluble Gamma-secretase Modulators Attenuate Alzheimer's β-amyloid Pathology and Induce Conformational Changes in Presenilin 1

A central pathogenic event of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the accumulation of the Aβ42 peptide, which is generated from amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) via cleavages by β- and γ-secretase. We have developed a class of soluble 2-aminothiazole γ-secretase modulators (SGSMs) that preferentially decreases Aβ42 levels. However, the effects of SGSMs in AD animals and cells expressing familial AD mutations, as well as the mechanism of γ-secretase modulation remain largely unknown. Here, a representative of this SGSM scaffold, SGSM-36, was investigated using animals and cells expressing FAD mutations. SGSM-36 preferentially reduced Aβ42 levels without affecting either α- and β-secretase processing of APP nor Notch processing. Furthermore, an allosteric site was identified within the γ-secretase complex that allowed access of SGSM-36 using cell-based, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy analysis. Collectively, these studies provide mechanistic insights regarding SGSMs of this class and reinforce their therapeutic potential in AD.

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A novel class soluble 2-aminothiazole γ-secretase modulators (SGSMs) are characterized as potential therapeutics for AD.

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A representative compound, SGSM-36, preferentially decreases Aβ42 levels using animal and cell models of AD.

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An allosteric site was identified within γ-secretase to be accessible by SGSM-36.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder and there is currently no treatment to slow or halt disease progression. Considerable evidence shows that the primary pathological event leading to AD is the production and accumulation of Aβ42 peptide. We have developed a class of soluble 2-aminothiazole γ-secretase modulators (SGSMs) that preferentially decreases Aβ42 levels. The presented studies have primarily elucidated the mechanisms by which our SGSMs decrease Aβ42 levels and attenuate β-amyloid pathology. The results of these experiments will be useful toward the ongoing efforts toward the development of an effective therapy for the treatment and prevention of AD.

Bidirectional regulation of Aβ levels by Presenilin 1

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by accumulation of the β-amyloid peptide (Aβ), which is generated through sequential proteolysis of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), first by the action of β-secretase, generating the β-C-terminal fragment (βCTF), and then by the Presenilin 1 (PS1) enzyme in the γ-secretase complex, generating Aβ. γ-Secretase is an intramembranous protein complex composed of Aph1, Pen2, Nicastrin, and Presenilin 1. Although it has a central role in the pathogenesis of AD, knowledge of the mechanisms that regulate PS1 function is limited. Here, we show that phosphorylation of PS1 at Ser367 does not affect γ-secretase activity, but has a dramatic effect on Aβ levels in vivo. We identified CK1γ2 as the endogenous kinase responsible for the phosphorylation of PS1 at Ser367. Inhibition of CK1γ leads to a decrease in PS1 Ser367 phosphorylation and an increase in Aβ levels in cultured cells. Transgenic mice in which Ser367 of PS1 was mutated to Ala, show dramatic increases in Aβ peptide and in βCTF levels in vivo. Finally, we show that this mutation impairs the autophagic degradation of βCTF, resulting in its accumulation and increased levels of Aβ peptide and plaque load in the brain. Our results demonstrate that PS1 regulates Aβ levels by a unique bifunctional mechanism. In addition to its known role as the catalytic subunit of the γ-secretase complex, selective phosphorylation of PS1 on Ser367 also decreases Aβ levels by increasing βCTF degradation through autophagy. Elucidation of the mechanism by which PS1 regulates βCTF degradation may aid in the development of potential therapies for Alzheimer's disease.

Dynamic Nature of presenilin1/γ-Secretase: Implication for Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis

Presenilin 1 (PS1) is a catalytic component of the γ-secretase complex, responsible for the intramembraneous cleavage of more than 90 type I transmembrane proteins, including Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related amyloid precursor protein (APP). The γ-secretase-mediated cleavage of the APP C-terminal membrane stub leads to the production of various amyloid β (Aβ) species. The assembly of Aβ into neurotoxic oligomers, which causes synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration, is influenced by the relative ratio of the longer (Aβ42/43) to shorter Aβ (Aβ40) peptides. The ratio of Aβ42 to Aβ40 depends on the conformation and activity of the PS1/γ-secretase enzymatic complex. The latter exists in a dynamic equilibrium of the so called "closed" and "open" conformational states, as determined by the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based PS1 conformation assay. Here we review several factors that can allosterically influence conformational status of the enzyme, and hence the production of Aβ peptides. These include genetic variations in PS1, APP and other γ-secretase components, environmental stressors implicated in AD pathogenesis and pharmacological agents. Since "closed" PS1 conformation is the common outcome of many AD-related insults, the novel assays monitoring PS1 conformation in live/intact cells in vivo and in vitro might be utilized for diagnostic purposes and for validation of the potential therapeutic approaches.