Macromolecular and small-molecule modulation of intracellular Aβ42 aggregation and associated toxicity

Aβ (amyloid β-peptide) has a central role in AD (Alzheimer's disease) where neuronal toxicity is linked to its extracellular and intracellular accumulation as oligomeric species. Searching for molecules that attenuate Aβ aggregation could uncover novel therapies for AD, but most studies in mammalian cells have inferred aggregation indirectly by assessing levels of secreted Aβ peptide. In the present study we establish a mammalian cell system for the direct visualization of Aβ formation by expression of an Aβ(42)-EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein) fusion protein in the human embryonic kidney cell line T-REx293, and use this to identify both macromolecules and small molecules that reduce aggregation and associated cell toxicity. Thus a molecular shield protein AavLEA1 [Aphelenchus avenae LEA (late embryogenesis abundant) protein 1], which limits aggregation of proteins with expanded poly(Q) repeats, is also effective against Aβ(42)-EGFP when co-expressed in T-REx293 cells. A screen of polysaccharide and small organic molecules from medicinal plants and fungi reveals one candidate in each category, PS5 (polysaccharide 5) and ganoderic acid DM respectively, with activity against Aβ. Both PS5 and ganoderic acid DM probably promote Aβ aggregate clearance indirectly through the proteasome. The model is therefore of value to study the effects of intracellular Aβ on cell physiology and to identify reagents that counteract those effects.