Inpp5d haplodeficiency alleviates tau pathology in the PS19 mouse model of Tauopathy

Disha M Soni1, Peter Bor-Chian Lin1, Audrey Lee-Gosselin1

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

Abstract

Insights

Reduced expression of INPP5D, an enzyme linked to Alzheimer's disease risk, improved motor function and decreased tau pathology in a mouse model. This suggests INPP5D inhibition may be a therapeutic strategy for tauopathies.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • A genetic variant in INPP5D is associated with increased Alzheimer's disease (AD) susceptibility.
  • The role of Inpp5d in tau pathology, a key feature of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases, is not well understood.
  • Inpp5d is a phosphatase enzyme primarily found in microglia within the brain.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of Inpp5d on tau pathology.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of modulating Inpp5d expression in tauopathies.

Main Methods:

  • PS19 tauopathy mouse model was crossed with Inpp5d-haplodeficient mice.
  • Levels of hyperphosphorylated tau were assessed using specific antibodies (AT8, AT180, AT100, PHF1).
  • Motor function and gene expression patterns were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Increased INPP5D expression correlated with elevated phospho-Tau levels in PS19 mice.
  • Inpp5d haplodeficiency reduced hyperphosphorylated tau and improved motor deficits in PS19 mice.
  • Transcriptomic analysis showed altered immune response and cell migration gene expression in Inpp5d-haplodeficient mice.

Conclusions:

  • INPP5D expression is directly associated with tau pathology progression.
  • Reducing Inpp5d levels ameliorates tau pathology and motor impairments in a mouse model.
  • Inhibition of Inpp5d presents a potential therapeutic avenue for treating tauopathies.

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