Protein kinase C-dependent alpha-secretory processing of the amyloid precursor protein is mediated by phosphorylation of myosin II-B
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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Models of Alzheimer's Disease to Screen Genes, Mutations, and Chemicals Affecting Amyloid Beta Production by γ-Secretase
Published on: June 24, 2025
Francesca Argellati1, Cinzia Domenicotti, Mario Passalacqua
1Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
Abstract:
A substantial body of evidence indicates that protein kinase C (PKC) is involved in the alpha-secretory processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), an event that reduces the formation of the pathogenic amyloid-beta peptide. Recently, we have shown that trafficking and processing of APP are both impaired by knockdown of myosin II-B, one of the major neuronal motor proteins. Here, we provide evidence that the alpha-secretory processing of APP is mediated by PKC-dependent phosphorylation of myosin II-B. This signaling pathway provides an important link between APP and the neuronal cytoskeleton and might be crucial for the understanding of the biological and pathological roles of APP.
Insights
Protein kinase C (PKC) regulates amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing via myosin II-B phosphorylation. This pathway links APP to the neuronal cytoskeleton, impacting amyloid-beta peptide formation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Protein kinase C (PKC) is implicated in the alpha-secretory processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP).
- APP alpha-secretory processing reduces the formation of pathogenic amyloid-beta peptide.
- Myosin II-B, a neuronal motor protein, is crucial for APP trafficking and processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of myosin II-B in PKC-mediated alpha-secretory processing of APP.
- To elucidate the signaling pathway linking APP, PKC, and myosin II-B.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the interaction between PKC and myosin II-B.
- Utilized knockdown of myosin II-B to assess its impact on APP processing.
- Examined PKC-dependent phosphorylation of myosin II-B.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that alpha-secretory processing of APP is mediated by PKC-dependent phosphorylation of myosin II-B.
- Showed that impaired myosin II-B function disrupts APP processing.
- Identified a novel signaling pathway connecting APP and the neuronal cytoskeleton.
Conclusions:
- PKC-dependent phosphorylation of myosin II-B is a key mechanism for APP alpha-secretory processing.
- This pathway represents a critical link between APP and neuronal cytoskeleton dynamics.
- Understanding this pathway is crucial for elucidating APP's biological and pathological roles, particularly in Alzheimer's disease.
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