Inhibition of p-mTOR represses transcription of PS1 and Notch 1-signaling

Presenilin-1 (PS1) protein is the catalytic subunit of the gamma-secretase, and participates in the processing of beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) to produce Abeta peptide and Notch 1 receptor to release Notch intracellular domain (NICD) in the cytoplasm. NICD migrates to the nucleus and causes Notch signaling by increasing the expression of the Hes1 gene. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) controls cellular homeostasis, and its activity is inhibited by rapamycin. The buildup of Abeta increases the mTOR signaling, whereas decreasing mTOR signaling reduces Abeta levels suggesting an interrelationship between mTOR signaling and Abeta. Administration of rapamycin in 3XTg-AD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) rescues cognitive deficits and ameliorates Abeta and Tau pathology. We have dissected the mechanisms by which rapamycin inhibits PS1 expression and Notch1 signaling. Our results demonstrated that rapamycin efficiently suppressed phosphorylation of mTOR (p-mTOR), and decreased expression of PS1-mRNA as well as p-p70S6K1, 4EBP1, PS1, NICD, and Hes1 protein levels. Therefore, rapamycin decreased PS1 protein levels and Notch 1 processing by inhibiting PS1 transcription.