Multiple pathways of apolipoprotein E signaling in primary neurons

Apolipoprotein E is a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, and the apoE protein is associated with beta-amyloid deposits in Alzheimer's disease brain. We examined signaling pathways stimulated by apoE in primary neurons in culture. ApoE and an apoE-derived peptide activated several intracellular kinases, including prominently extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). ERK1/2 activation by apoE was blocked by an inhibitor of the low-density lipoprotein receptor family, the specific NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist MK 801 and other calcium channel blockers. Activation of apoE receptors also induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Dab1, an adaptor protein of apoE receptors, but experiments in Dab1 knockout neurons demonstrated that Dab1 was not necessary for ERK activation. In contrast, apoE treatment of primary neurons decreased activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase, a kinase that interacts with another apoE receptor adaptor protein, c-Jun N-terminal kinase-interacting protein. This change also depended on interactions with the low-density lipoprotein receptor family but was independent of calcium channels. c-Jun N-terminal kinase deactivation by apoE was blocked by gamma-secretase inhibitors and pertussis toxin. These results demonstrate that apoE affects several signaling cascades in neurons: increased disabled phosphorylation, activation of the ERK1/2 pathway (dependent on calcium influx via the NMDA receptor) and inhibition of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2 pathway (dependent on gamma-secretase and G proteins).