In silico modeling human VPS13 proteins associated with donor and target membranes suggests lipid transfer mechanisms

The VPS13 protein family constitutes a novel class of bridge-like lipid transferases. Autosomal recessive inheritance of mutations in VPS13 genes is associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases in humans. Bioinformatic approaches previously recognized the domain architecture of these proteins. In this study, we model the first ever full-length structures of the four human homologs VPS13A, VPS13B, VPS13C, and VPS13D in association with model membranes, to investigate their lipid transfer ability and potential structural association with membrane leaflets. We analyze the evolutionary conservation and physicochemical properties of these proteins, focusing on conserved C-terminal amphipathic helices that disturb organelle surfaces and that, adjoined, resemble a traditional Venetian gondola. The gondola domains share significant structural homology with lipid droplet surface-binding proteins. We introduce in silico protein-membrane models displaying the mode of association of VPS13A, VPS13B, VPS13C, and VPS13D to donor and target membranes, and present potential models of action for protein-mediated lipid transfer.

Impact of Various Buffers and Weak Bases on Lysosomal and Intracellular pH : Implications for Infectivity of SARS‐CoV ‐2

Acidification of the cellular lysosome is an important factor in infection of mammalian cells by SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, raising the pH of the lysosome would theoretically be beneficial in prevention or treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Sodium bicarbonate, carbicarb, and THAM are buffers that can be used clinically to provide base to patients. To examine whether these bases could raise lysosomal pH and therefore be a primary or adjunctive treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection, we measured lysosomal and intracellular pH of mammalian cells after exposure to each of these bases. Mammalian HEK293 cells expressing RpH-LAMP1-3xFLAG, a ratiometric sensor of lysosomal luminal pH, were first exposed to Hepes which was then switched to sodium bicarbonate, carbicarb, or THAM and lysosomal pH measured. In bicarbonate buffer the mean lysosomal pH was 4.3 ± 0.1 (n = 20); p = NS versus Hepes (n = 20). The mean lysosomal pH in bicarbonate/carbonate was 4.3 ± 0.1 (n = 21) versus Hepes (n = 21), p = NS. In THAM buffer the mean lysosomal pH was 4.7 ± 0.07 (n = 20) versus Hepes (4.6 ± 0.1, n = 20), p = NS. In addition, there was no statistical difference between pH_i in bicarbonate, carbicarb or THAM solutions. Using the membrane permeable base NH₄Cl (5 mM), lysosomal pH increased significantly to 5.9 ± 0.1 (n = 21) compared to Hepes (4.5 ± 0.07, n = 21); p < 0.0001. Similarly, exposure to 1 mM hydroxychloroquine significantly increased the lysosomal pH to (5.9 ± 0.06, n = 20) versus Hepes (4.3 ± 0.1, n = 20), p < 0.0001. Separately steady-state pHi was measured in HEK293 cells bathed in various buffers. In bicarbonate pH_i was 7.29 ± 0.02 (n = 12) versus Hepes (7.45 ± 0.03, [n = 12]), p < 0.001. In cells bathed in carbicarb pH_i was 7.27 ± 0.02 (n = 5) versus Hepes (7.43 ± 0.04, [n = 5]), p < 0.01. Cells bathed in THAM had a pH_i of 7.25 ± 0.03 (n = 12) versus Hepes (7.44 ± 0.03 [n = 12]), p < 0.001. In addition, there was no statistical difference in pH_i in bicarbonate, carbicarb or THAM solutions. The results of these studies indicate that none of the buffers designed to provide base to patients alters lysosomal pH at the concentrations used in this study and therefore would be predicted to be of no value in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. If the goal is to raise lysosomal pH to decrease the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2, utilizing lysosomal permeable buffers at the appropriate dose that is non-toxic appears to be a useful approach to explore.

Multimodal imaging of synaptic vesicles with a single probe

A complete understanding of synaptic-vesicle recycling requires the use of multiple microscopy methods to obtain complementary information. However, many currently available probes are limited to a specific microscopy modality, which necessitates the use of multiple probes and labeling paradigms. Given the complexity of vesicle populations and recycling pathways, having new single-vesicle probes that could be used for multiple microscopy techniques would complement existing sets of tools for studying vesicle function. Here, we present a probe based on the membrane-binding C2 domain of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) that fulfills this need. By conjugating the C2 domain with different detectable tags, we demonstrate that a single, modular probe can allow synaptic vesicles to be imaged at multiple levels of spatial and temporal resolution. Moreover, as a general endocytic marker, the C2 domain may also be used to study membrane recycling in many cell types.

Effects of Human RelA Transgene on Murine Macrophage Inflammatory Responses

The NFκB transcription factors are major regulators of innate immune responses, and NFκB signal pathway dysregulation is linked to inflammatory disease. Here, we utilised bone marrow-derived macrophages from the p65-DsRedxp/IκBα-eGFP transgenic strain to study the functional implication of xenogeneic (human) RelA(p65) protein introduced into the mouse genome. Confocal imaging showed that human RelA is expressed in the cells and can translocate to the nucleus following activation of Toll-like receptor 4. RNA sequencing of lipid A-stimulated macrophages, revealed that human RelA impacts on murine gene transcription, affecting both non-NFκB and NFκB target genes, including immediate-early and late response genes, e.g., Fos and Cxcl10. Validation experiments on NFκB targets revealed markedly reduced mRNA levels, but similar kinetic profiles in transgenic cells compared to wild-type. Enrichment pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed interferon and cytokine signaling were affected. These immune response pathways were also affected in macrophages treated with tumor necrosis factor. Data suggests that the presence of xenogeneic RelA protein likely has inhibitory activity, altering specific transcriptional profiles of key molecules involved in immune responses. It is therefore essential that this information be taken into consideration when designing and interpreting future experiments using this transgenic strain.

Live imaging of intra-lysosome pH in cell lines and primary neuronal culture using a novel genetically encoded biosensor

Disorders of lysosomal physiology have increasingly been found to underlie the pathology of a rapidly growing cast of neurodevelopmental disorders and sporadic diseases of aging. One cardinal aspect of lysosomal (dys)function is lysosomal acidification in which defects trigger lysosomal stress signaling and defects in proteolytic capacity. We have developed a genetically encoded ratiometric probe to measure lysosomal pH coupled with a purification tag to efficiently purify lysosomes for both proteomic and in vitro evaluation of their function. Using our probe, we showed that lysosomal pH is remarkably stable over a period of days in a variety of cell types. Additionally, this probe can be used to determine that lysosomal stress signaling via TFEB is uncoupled from gross changes in lysosomal pH. Finally, we demonstrated that while overexpression of ARL8B GTPase causes striking alkalinization of peripheral lysosomes in HEK293 T cells, peripheral lysosomes per se are no less acidic than juxtanuclear lysosomes in our cell lines.Abbreviations: ARL8B: ADP ribosylation factor like GTPase 8B; ATP: adenosine triphosphate; ATP5F1B/ATPB: ATP synthase F1 subunit beta; ATP6V1A: ATPase H+ transporting V1 subunit A; Baf: bafilomycin A1; BLOC-1: biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles complex 1; BSA: bovine serum albumin; Cos7: African green monkey kidney fibroblast-like cell line; CQ: chloroquine; CTSB: cathepsin B; CYCS: cytochrome c, somatic; DAPI: 4',6-diamidino -2- phenylindole; DIC: differential interference contrast; DIV: days in vitro; DMEM: Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium;‎ E8: embryonic day 8; EEA1: early endosome antigen 1; EGTA: ethylene glycol-bis(β-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; FBS: fetal bovine serum; FITC: fluorescein isothiocyanate; GABARAPL2: GABA type A receptor associated protein like 2; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; GOLGA2/GM130: golgin A2; GTP: guanosine triphosphate; HEK293T: human embryonic kidney 293 cells, that expresses a mutant version of the SV40 large T antigen; HeLa: Henrietta Lacks-derived cell; HEPES: 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid; HRP: horseradish peroxidase; IGF2R/ciM6PR: insulin like growth factor 2 receptor; LAMP1/2: lysosomal associated membrane protein 1/2; LMAN2/VIP36: lectin, mannose binding 2; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3; MTORC1: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase complex 1; PCR: polymerase chain reaction; PDL: poly-d-lysine; PGK1p: promotor from human phosphoglycerate kinase 1; PIKFYVE: phosphoinositide kinase, FYVE-type zinc finger containing; PPT1/CLN1: palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1; RPS6KB1/p70: ribosomal protein S6 kinase B1; STAT3: signal transducer and activator of transcription 3; TAX1BP1: Tax1 binding protein 1; TFEB: transcription factor EB; TGN: trans-Golgi network; TGOLN2/TGN46: trans-Golgi network protein 2; TIRF: total internal reflection fluorescence; TMEM106B: transmembrane protein 106B; TOR: target of rapamycin; TRPM2: transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 2; V-ATPase: vacuolar-type proton-translocating ATPase; VPS35: VPS35 retromer complex component.

Lowe syndrome-linked endocytic adaptors direct membrane cycling kinetics with OCRL in Dictyostelium discoideum

Mutations of the inositol 5-phosphatase OCRL cause Lowe syndrome (LS), characterized by congenital cataract, low IQ, and defective kidney proximal tubule resorption. A key subset of LS mutants abolishes OCRL’s interactions with endocytic adaptors containing F&H peptide motifs. Converging unbiased methods examining human peptides and the unicellular phagocytic organism Dictyostelium discoideum reveal that, like OCRL, the Dictyostelium OCRL orthologue Dd5P4 binds two proteins closely related to the F&H proteins APPL1 and Ses1/2 (also referred to as IPIP27A/B). In addition, a novel conserved F&H interactor was identified, GxcU (in Dictyostelium) and the Cdc42-GEF FGD1-related F-actin binding protein (Frabin) (in human cells). Examining these proteins in D. discoideum, we find that, like OCRL, Dd5P4 acts at well-conserved and physically distinct endocytic stations. Dd5P4 functions in coordination with F&H proteins to control membrane deformation at multiple stages of endocytosis and suppresses GxcU-mediated activity during fluid-phase micropinocytosis. We also reveal that OCRL/Dd5P4 acts at the contractile vacuole, an exocytic osmoregulatory organelle. We propose F&H peptide-containing proteins may be key modifiers of LS phenotypes.

Mitochondrial respiratory chain deficiency inhibits lysosomal hydrolysis

Mitochondria are key organelles for cellular metabolism, and regulate several processes including cell death and macroautophagy/autophagy. Here, we show that mitochondrial respiratory chain (RC) deficiency deactivates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK, a key regulator of energy homeostasis) signaling in tissue and in cultured cells. The deactivation of AMPK in RC-deficiency is due to increased expression of the AMPK-inhibiting protein FLCN (folliculin). AMPK is found to be necessary for basal lysosomal function, and AMPK deactivation in RC-deficiency inhibits lysosomal function by decreasing the activity of the lysosomal Ca²⁺ channel MCOLN1 (mucolipin 1). MCOLN1 is regulated by phosphoinositide kinase PIKFYVE and its product PtdIns(3,5)P₂, which is also decreased in RC-deficiency. Notably, reactivation of AMPK, in a PIKFYVE-dependent manner, or of MCOLN1 in RC-deficient cells, restores lysosomal hydrolytic capacity. Building on these data and the literature, we propose that downregulation of the AMPK-PIKFYVE-PtdIns(3,5)P₂-MCOLN1 pathway causes lysosomal Ca²⁺ accumulation and impaired lysosomal catabolism. Besides unveiling a novel role of AMPK in lysosomal function, this study points to the mechanism that links mitochondrial malfunction to impaired lysosomal catabolism, underscoring the importance of AMPK and the complexity of organelle cross-talk in the regulation of cellular homeostasis.

Abbreviation: ΔΨ_m: mitochondrial transmembrane potential; AMP: adenosine monophosphate; AMPK: AMP-activated protein kinase; ATG5: autophagy related 5; ATP: adenosine triphosphate; ATP6V0A1: ATPase, H+ transporting, lysosomal, V0 subbunit A1; ATP6V1A: ATPase, H+ transporting, lysosomal, V0 subbunit A; BSA: bovine serum albumin; CCCP: carbonyl cyanide-m-chlorophenylhydrazone; CREB1: cAMP response element binding protein 1; CTSD: cathepsin D; CTSF: cathepsin F; DMEM: Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium; DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; EBSS: Earl’s balanced salt solution; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; FBS: fetal bovine serum; FCCP: carbonyl cyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenolhydrazone; GFP: green fluorescent protein; GPN: glycyl-L-phenylalanine 2-naphthylamide; LAMP1: lysosomal associated membrane protein 1; MAP1LC3B/LC3B: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; MCOLN1/TRPML1: mucolipin 1; MEF: mouse embryonic fibroblast; MITF: melanocyte inducing transcription factor; ML1N*2-GFP: probe used to detect PtdIns(3,5)P₂ based on the transmembrane domain of MCOLN1; MTORC1: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase complex 1; NDUFS4: NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S4; OCR: oxygen consumption rate; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; pcDNA: plasmid cytomegalovirus promoter DNA; PCR: polymerase chain reaction; PtdIns3P: phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate; PtdIns(3,5)P₂: phosphatidylinositol-3,5-bisphosphate; PIKFYVE: phosphoinositide kinase, FYVE-type zinc finger containing; P/S: penicillin-streptomycin; PVDF: polyvinylidene fluoride; qPCR: quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction; RFP: red fluorescent protein; RNA: ribonucleic acid; SDS-PAGE: sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; shRNA: short hairpin RNA; siRNA: small interfering RNA; TFEB: transcription factor EB; TFE3: transcription factor binding to IGHM enhancer 3; TMRM: tetramethylrhodamine, methyl ester, perchlorate; ULK1: unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1; ULK2: unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 2; UQCRC1: ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase core protein 1; v-ATPase: vacuolar-type H+-translocating ATPase; WT: wild-type

Rescue of Transgenic Alzheimer's Pathophysiology by Polymeric Cellular Prion Protein Antagonists

Cellular prion protein (PrPC) binds the scrapie conformation of PrP (PrPSc) and oligomeric β-amyloid peptide (Aβo) to mediate transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), respectively. We conducted cellular and biochemical screens for compounds blocking PrPC interaction with Aβo. A polymeric degradant of an antibiotic targets Aβo binding sites on PrPC with low nanomolar affinity and prevents Aβo-induced pathophysiology. We then identified a range of negatively charged polymers with specific PrPC affinity in the low to sub-nanomolar range, from both biological (melanin) and synthetic (poly [4-styrenesulfonic acid-co-maleic acid], PSCMA) origin. Association of PSCMA with PrPC prevents Aβo/PrPC-hydrogel formation, blocks Aβo binding to neurons, and abrogates PrPSc production by ScN2a cells. We show that oral PSCMA yields effective brain concentrations and rescues APPswe/PS1ΔE9 transgenic mice from AD-related synapse loss and memory deficits. Thus, an orally active PrPC-directed polymeric agent provides a potential therapeutic approach to address neurodegeneration in AD and TSE.

Lysosome size, motility and stress response regulated by fronto-temporal dementia modifier TMEM106B

Fronto-temporal lobar degeneration with TDP-43 (FTLD-TDP) is a fatal neurodegeneration. TMEM106B variants are linked to FTLD-TDP risk, and TMEM106B is lysosomal. Here, we focus on neuronal TMEM106B, and demonstrate co-localization and traffic with lysosomal LAMP-1. pH-sensitive reporters demonstrate that the TMEM106B C-terminus is lumenal. The TMEM106B N-terminus interacts with endosomal adaptors and other TMEM106 proteins. TMEM106B knockdown reduces neuronal lysosomal number and diameter by STED microscopy, and overexpression enlarges LAMP-positive structures. Reduction of TMEM106B increases axonally transported lysosomes, while TMEM106B elevation inhibits transport and yields large lysosomes in the soma. TMEM106B overexpression alters lysosomal stress signaling, causing a translocation of the mTOR-sensitive transcription factor, TFEB, to neuronal nuclei. TMEM106B loss-of-function delays TFEB translocation after Torin-1-induced stress. Enlarged TMEM106B-overexpressing lysosomes maintain organelle integrity longer after lysosomal photodamage than do control lysosomes, while small TMEM106B-knockdown lysosomes are more sensitive to illumination. Thus, neuronal TMEM106B plays a central role in regulating lysosomal size, motility and responsiveness to stress, highlighting the possible role of lysosomal biology in FTLD-TDP.

Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 is a coreceptor for Alzheimer aβ oligomer bound to cellular prion protein

Soluble amyloid-β oligomers (Aβo) trigger Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology and bind with high affinity to cellular prion protein (PrP(C)). At the postsynaptic density (PSD), extracellular Aβo bound to lipid-anchored PrP(C) activates intracellular Fyn kinase to disrupt synapses. Here, we screened transmembrane PSD proteins heterologously for the ability to couple Aβo-PrP(C) with Fyn. Only coexpression of the metabotropic glutamate receptor, mGluR5, allowed PrP(C)-bound Aβo to activate Fyn. PrP(C) and mGluR5 interact physically, and cytoplasmic Fyn forms a complex with mGluR5. Aβo-PrP(C) generates mGluR5-mediated increases of intracellular calcium in Xenopus oocytes and in neurons, and the latter is also driven by human AD brain extracts. In addition, signaling by Aβo-PrP(C)-mGluR5 complexes mediates eEF2 phosphorylation and dendritic spine loss. For mice expressing familial AD transgenes, mGluR5 antagonism reverses deficits in learning, memory, and synapse density. Thus, Aβo-PrP(C) complexes at the neuronal surface activate mGluR5 to disrupt neuronal function.

Alzheimer amyloid-β oligomer bound to postsynaptic prion protein activates Fyn to impair neurons

Amyloid-beta (Aβ) oligomers are thought to trigger Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathophysiology. Cellular Prion Protein (PrP^C) selectively binds oligomeric Aβ and can mediate AD-related phenotypes. Here, we examined the specificity, distribution and signaling from Aβ/PrP complexes, seeking to explain how they might alter the function of NMDA receptors in neurons. PrP^C is enriched in post-synaptic densities, and Aβ/PrP^C interaction leads to Fyn kinase activation. Soluble Aβ assemblies derived from human AD brain interact with PrP^C to activate Fyn. Aβ engagement of PrP^C/Fyn signaling yields phosphorylation of the NR2B subunit of NMDA-receptors, which is coupled to an initial increase and then loss of surface NMDA-receptors. Aβ-induced LDH release and dendritic spine loss require both PrP^C and Fyn, and human familial AD transgene-induced convulsive seizures do not occur in mice lacking PrP^C. These results delineate an Aβ oligomer signal transduction pathway requiring PrP^C and Fyn to alter synaptic function with relevance to AD.

Lateral assembly of the immunoglobulin protein SynCAM 1 controls its adhesive function and instructs synapse formation

Synapses are specialized adhesion sites between neurons that are connected by protein complexes spanning the synaptic cleft. These trans-synaptic interactions can organize synapse formation, but their macromolecular properties and effects on synaptic morphology remain incompletely understood. Here, we demonstrate that the synaptic cell adhesion molecule SynCAM 1 self-assembles laterally via its extracellular, membrane-proximal immunoglobulin (Ig) domains 2 and 3. This cis oligomerization generates SynCAM oligomers with increased adhesive capacity and instructs the interactions of this molecule across the nascent and mature synaptic cleft. In immature neurons, cis assembly promotes the adhesive clustering of SynCAM 1 at new axo-dendritic contacts. Interfering with the lateral self-assembly of SynCAM 1 in differentiating neurons strongly impairs its synaptogenic activity. At later stages, the lateral oligomerization of SynCAM 1 restricts synaptic size, indicating that this adhesion molecule contributes to the structural organization of synapses. These results support that lateral interactions assemble SynCAM complexes within the synaptic cleft to promote synapse induction and modulate their structure. These findings provide novel insights into synapse development and the adhesive mechanisms of Ig superfamily members.

Signaling by synaptogenic molecules

Multiple signaling pathways initiate and specify the formation of synapses in the central nervous system. General principles that organize nascent synapses have emerged from the studies in multiple model organisms. These include the synapse-organizing roles of dedicated synaptic adhesion molecules, synaptic signaling following receptor-ligand interactions, and the regulation of synapse formation by secreted molecules. Intracellularly, a range of effectors subsequently regulates signaling steps and cytoskeletal changes. Together, a blueprint of synapse formation is emerging into which these distinct signaling steps will need to be integrated temporally and spatially.

TREM2-transduced myeloid precursors mediate nervous tissue debris clearance and facilitate recovery in an animal model of multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

In multiple sclerosis, inflammation can successfully be prevented, while promoting repair is still a major challenge. Microglial cells, the resident phagocytes of the central nervous system (CNS), are hematopoietic-derived myeloid cells and express the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), an innate immune receptor. Myeloid cells are an accessible source for ex vivo gene therapy. We investigated whether myeloid precursor cells genetically modified to express TREM2 affect the disease course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

EAE was induced in mice by immunization with a myelin autoantigen. Intravenous application of TREM2-transduced bone marrow-derived myeloid precursor cells at the EAE peak led to an amelioration of clinical symptoms, reduction in axonal damage, and prevention of further demyelination. TREM2-transduced myeloid cells applied intravenously migrated into the inflammatory spinal cord lesions of EAE-diseased mice, showed increased lysosomal and phagocytic activity, cleared degenerated myelin, and created an anti-inflammatory cytokine milieu within the CNS.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravenously applied bone marrow-derived and TREM2-tranduced myeloid precursor cells limit tissue destruction and facilitate repair within the murine CNS by clearance of cellular debris during EAE. TREM2 is a new attractive target for promotion of repair and resolution of inflammation in multiple sclerosis and other neuroinflammatory diseases.

Unloading kinesin transported cargoes from the tubulin track via the inflammatory c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase pathway

Axonal transport of mitochondria and synaptic vesicle precursors via kinesin motor proteins is essential to keep integrity of axons and synapses. Disturbance of axonal transport is an early sign of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. Treatment of cultured neurons by the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) stimulated phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in neurites. TNF treatment induced dissociation of the heavy chain kinesin family-5B (KIF5B) protein from tubulin in axons but not cell bodies as determined by lifetime-based Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) analysis. Dissociation of KIF5B from tubulin after TNF treatment was dependent on JNK activity. Furthermore, TNF inhibited axonal transport of mitochondria and synaptophysin by reducing the mobile fraction via JNK. Thus, TNF produced by activated glial cells in inflammatory or degenerative neurological diseases acts on neurites by acting on the kinesin-tubulin complex and inhibits axonal mitochondria and synaptophysin transport via JNK.

Breakdown of axonal synaptic vesicle precursor transport by microglial nitric oxide

The mechanism of axonal injury in inflammatory brain diseases is still unclear. Increased microglial production of nitric oxide (NO) is a common early sign in neuroinflammatory diseases. We found by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy that synaptophysin tagged with enhanced green fluorescence protein (synaptophysin-EGFP) moves anterogradely in axons of cultured neurons. Activated microglia focally inhibited the axonal movement of synaptophysin-EGFP in a NO synthase-dependent manner. Direct application of a NO donor to neurons resulted in inhibition of axonal transport of synaptophysin-EGFP and synaptotagmin I tagged with EGFP, mediated via phosphorylation of c-jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK). Thus, overt production of reactive NO by activated microglia blocks the axonal transport of synaptic vesicle precursors via phosphorylation of JNK and could cause axonal and synaptic dysfunction.

LPS receptor (CD14): a receptor for phagocytosis of Alzheimer's amyloid peptide

The amyloid beta peptide 42 (Abeta(42)) plays a key role in neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease. Mononuclear phagocytes, i.e. microglia, have the potential to clear Abeta by phagocytosis. Recently, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) receptor CD14 was shown to mediate phagocytosis of bacterial components and furthermore to contribute to neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease. Here, we investigated whether this key innate immunity receptor can interact with Abeta(42) and mediate phagocytosis of this peptide. Using flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) combined with fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), we demonstrated a direct molecular interaction in the range of a few nanometers between Abeta(42) and CD14 in human CD14-transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells. Investigations using cells that were genetically deficient for this receptor showed that in <30 minutes exogenous Abeta(42) added to cultured primary microglial cells was phagocytosed into the cytoplasmic compartment in a CD14-dependent manner. This phagocytosis occurred at Abeta(42) concentration ranges that were considerably lower than the threshold to activate a cellular inflammatory reaction. In contrast, there was no association of CD14 to microglial internalization of microbeads. In complementary clinical experiments, we detected a pronounced CD14 immunoreactivity on parenchymal microglia spatially correlated to characteristic Alzheimer's disease lesion sites in brain sections of Alzheimer's disease patients but not in brain sections of control subjects. By showing a close interaction between CD14 and Abeta(42), demonstrating a direct role of CD14 in Abeta(42) phagocytosis, and detecting CD14-specific staining in brains of Alzheimer's disease patients, our results indicate a role of the LPS receptor in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease, which could be of therapeutic relevance.