Elevation in sphingomyelin synthase activity is associated with increases in amyloid-beta peptide generation
Jen-Hsiang T Hsiao1, Yuhong Fu, Andrew F Hill
1Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Plos One
|August 27, 2013
Summary
Sphingomyelin synthase (SGMS1) activity impacts amyloid-beta (Aβ) production, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Inhibiting SGMS1 reduces Aβ levels, suggesting SGMS1 as a potential factor in AD pathology.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques.
- Aβ is generated from amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing, influenced by membrane lipids.
- The role of sphingomyelin in APP processing and Aβ generation remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of sphingomyelin synthase (SGMS1) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology.
- To determine the effect of SGMS1 activity on amyloid-beta (Aβ) generation.
Main Methods:
- Assessed SGMS1 gene expression in human AD and control brains.
- Inhibited SGMS1 activity in vitro.
- Quantified Aβ levels and APP expression.
Main Results:
- SGMS1 expression was significantly elevated in the hippocampus of AD brains.
- Inhibition of SGMS1 activity dose- and time-dependently reduced Aβ levels.
- APP expression and cell viability remained unchanged upon SGMS1 inhibition.
Conclusions:
- SGMS1 activity influences APP processing and Aβ production.
- SGMS1 may be a contributing factor in the Aβ pathology of Alzheimer's disease.


