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Published on: August 2, 2019
APP family member dimeric complexes are formed predominantly in synaptic compartments
Sandra Schilling1, Alexander August1, Mathieu Meleux1
1Department of Human Biology and Human Genetics, University of Kaiserslautern, 67663, Kaiserslautern, Germany.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) research reveals that amyloid precursor protein (APP) dimerization decreases in AD patients. Loss of full-length APP dimers may correlate with synaptic loss in AD progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- APP belongs to a gene family including APLP1 and APLP2, sharing structural and functional similarities.
- These proteins can form homo- and heterotypic dimers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate complex formation within the APP protein family.
- To analyze the dimerization status of APP in different cellular and in vivo models.
- To explore the potential link between APP dimerization and Alzheimer's disease pathology.
Main Methods:
- Utilized inducible dimerization systems (FKBP-rapamycin and cysteine-induced).
- Employed co-immunoprecipitation and Blue Native (BN) gel electrophoresis.
- Analyzed APP dimerization in cultured cells, mouse brains, and human cortex samples.
Main Results:
- APLP1 exhibits the highest dimerization and high molecular weight (HMW) complex formation within the APP family.
- APP dimerization is higher in mouse brains (up to 50%) compared to cultured cells (around 20%).
- Dimerized APP is predominantly neuronal and enriched in synaptosomes; AD patients show reduced APP dimers in the cortex.
Conclusions:
- Suggests that loss of full-length APP dimers may be associated with synaptic loss in Alzheimer's disease.
- Highlights the potential role of APP dimerization as a biomarker or therapeutic target in AD.
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