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Published on: June 12, 2019
The regulation of AβPP expression by RNA-binding proteins
Cara J Westmark1, James S Malter
1University of Wisconsin, Waisman Center for Developmental Disabilities, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA. westmark@wisc.edu
Ageing Research Reviews
|April 17, 2012
Summary
RNA binding proteins (RBPs) regulate amyloid beta-protein precursor (AβPP) mRNA, controlling amyloid beta (Aβ) production. Understanding these RBPs offers therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Down syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Down syndrome are characterized by amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques.
- Amyloid beta-protein precursor (AβPP) is the source of Aβ, and its production is complex.
- Therapeutics targeting Aβ may mitigate neurodegeneration in AD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) in regulating AβPP mRNA.
- To summarize findings on RBPs that control AβPP and Aβ synthesis.
- To elucidate the post-transcriptional and translational regulation of AβPP.
Main Methods:
- Identification and characterization of regulatory RBPs.
- Analysis of RBP interactions with AβPP mRNA.
- Investigating the conditions and locations of these interactions.
Main Results:
- Specific RBPs have been identified that bind to AβPP mRNA.
- These interactions modulate AβPP and Aβ production.
- The precise mechanisms of RBP-mediated regulation are being elucidated.
Conclusions:
- RBPs play a critical role in the post-transcriptional and translational control of AβPP.
- Targeting RBP-APP mRNA interactions presents a potential therapeutic strategy for AD.
- Further research into RBP regulation is crucial for understanding Aβ pathology.
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