INPP5D deficiency attenuates amyloid pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Peter Bor-Chian Lin1, Andy Po-Yi Tsai1, Disha Soni1

  • 1Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.

Abstract

Insights

Inhibiting Inositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase (INPP5D) enhances microglial function, improving amyloid plaque clearance and preserving cognitive abilities in Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse models. This suggests INPP5D inhibition as a potential AD therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Inositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase (INPP5D) is a microglia-specific enzyme in the central nervous system.
  • A genetic variant of INPP5D is linked to increased Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk, with higher INPP5D levels correlating with greater amyloid plaque deposition.
  • INPP5D modulates signaling through microglial receptors like TREM2, but its precise role in AD pathogenesis requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of Inpp5d inhibition on amyloid pathogenesis in a mouse model of AD.
  • To determine if reducing Inpp5d levels impacts microglial function and cognitive outcomes in the context of amyloidosis.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the 5xFAD transgenic mouse model, which develops amyloidosis.
  • Assessed the impact of Inpp5d gene haplodeficiency on amyloid plaque deposition and associated pathology.
  • Employed spatial transcriptomic analysis to identify molecular pathways affected by Inpp5d haploinsufficiency.

Main Results:

  • Inpp5d haplodeficiency altered microglial intracellular signaling pathways involved in immune response, including phagocytosis and amyloid-beta (Aβ) clearance.
  • Mice with Inpp5d haploinsufficiency showed preserved cognitive function.
  • Spatial transcriptomics revealed that Inpp5d haploinsufficiency impacts pathways related to synaptic regulation and immune cell activation.

Conclusions:

  • Inpp5d haplodeficiency enhances microglial functions, leading to increased amyloid plaque clearance and cognitive preservation in the 5xFAD mouse model.
  • Inhibition of INPP5D represents a promising therapeutic strategy for managing Alzheimer's disease pathology.