Calcium regulates processing of the Alzheimer amyloid protein precursor in a protein kinase C-independent manner

Alpha-secretase inhibition impairs Group I metabotropic glutamate receptor-mediated protein synthesis, long-term potentiation and long-term depression

Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (Gp1-mGluRs) exert a host of effects on cellular functions, including enhancement of protein synthesis and the associated facilitation of long-term potentiation (LTP) and induction of long-term depression (LTD). However, the complete cascades of events mediating these events are not fully understood. Gp1-mGluRs trigger α-secretase cleavage of amyloid precursor protein, producing soluble amyloid precursor protein-α (sAPPα), a known regulator of LTP. However, the α-cleavage of APP has not previously been linked to Gp1-mGluR's actions. Using rat hippocampal slices, we found that the α-secretase inhibitor tumour necrosis factor-alpha protease inhibitor-1, which inhibits both disintegrin and metalloprotease 10 (ADAM10) and 17 (ADAM17) activity, blocked or reduced the ability of the Gp1-mGluR agonist (R,S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) to stimulate protein synthesis, metaplastically prime future LTP and elicit sub-maximal LTD. In contrast, the specific ADAM10 antagonist GI254023X did not affect the regulation of plasticity, suggesting that ADAM17 but not ADAM10 is involved in mediating these effects of DHPG. However, neither drug affected LTD that was strongly induced by either high-concentration DHPG or paired-pulse synaptic stimulation. Our data suggest that moderate Gp1-mGluR activation triggers α-secretase sheddase activity targeting APP or other membrane-bound proteins as part of a more complex signalling cascade than previously envisioned. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Long-term potentiation: 50 years on'.

Calcium Dyshomeostasis Drives Pathophysiology and Neuronal Demise in Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases

This review postulates that age-related neurodegeneration entails inappropriate activation of intrinsic pathways to enable brain plasticity through deregulated calcium (Ca2+) signalling. Ca2+ in the cytosol comprises a versatile signal controlling neuronal cell physiology to accommodate adaptive structural and functional changes of neuronal networks (neuronal plasticity) and, as such, is essential for brain function. Although disease risk factors selectively affect different neuronal cell types across age-related neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), these appear to have in common the ability to impair the specificity of the Ca2+ signal. As a result, non-specific Ca2+ signalling facilitates the development of intraneuronal pathophysiology shared by age-related NDDs, including mitochondrial dysfunction, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, impaired proteostasis, and decreased axonal transport, leading to even more Ca2+ dyshomeostasis. These core pathophysiological processes and elevated cytosolic Ca2+ levels comprise a self-enforcing feedforward cycle inevitably spiralling toward high levels of cytosolic Ca2+. The resultant elevated cytosolic Ca2+ levels ultimately gear otherwise physiological effector pathways underlying plasticity toward neuronal demise. Ageing impacts mitochondrial function indiscriminately of the neuronal cell type and, therefore, contributes to the feedforward cycle of pathophysiology development seen in all age-related NDDs. From this perspective, therapeutic interventions to safely restore Ca2+ homeostasis would mitigate the excessive activation of neuronal destruction pathways and, therefore, are expected to have promising neuroprotective potential.

Cytosolic calcium: Judge, jury and executioner of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease and beyond

This review discusses the driving principles that may underlie neurodegeneration in dementia, represented most dominantly by Alzheimer's disease (AD). While a myriad of different disease risk factors contribute to AD, these ultimately converge to a common disease outcome. Based on decades of research, a picture emerges where upstream risk factors combine in a feedforward pathophysiological cycle, culminating in a rise of cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+ ]c ) that triggers neurodegeneration. In this framework, positive AD risk factors entail conditions, characteristics, or lifestyles that initiate or accelerate self-reinforcing cycles of pathophysiology, whereas negative risk factors or therapeutic interventions, particularly those mitigating elevated [Ca2+ ]c , oppose these effects and therefore have neuroprotective potential.

Mitochondrial Ca2+ signaling and Alzheimer's disease: Too much or too little?

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease, caused by poorly known pathogenic mechanisms and aggravated by delayed therapeutic intervention, that still lacks an effective cure. However, it is clear that some important neurophysiological processes are altered years before the onset of clinical symptoms, offering the possibility of identifying biological targets useful for implementation of new therapies. Of note, evidence has been provided suggesting that mitochondria, pivotal organelles in sustaining neuronal energy demand and modulating synaptic activity, are dysfunctional in AD samples. In particular, alterations in mitochondrial Ca²⁺ signaling have been proposed as causal events for neurodegeneration, although the exact outcomes and molecular mechanisms of these defects, as well as their longitudinal progression, are not always clear. Here, we discuss the importance of a correct mitochondrial Ca²⁺ handling for neuronal physiology and summarize the latest findings on dysfunctional mitochondrial Ca²⁺ pathways in AD, analysing possible consequences contributing to the neurodegeneration that characterizes the disease.

Mitochondrial Calcium Signaling as a Therapeutic Target for Alzheimer's Disease

Mitochondria absorb calcium (Ca2+) at the expense of the electrochemical gradient generated during respiration. The influx of Ca2+ into the mitochondrial matrix helps maintain metabolic function and results in increased cytosolic Ca2+ during intracellular Ca2+ signaling. Mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis is tightly regulated by proteins located in the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes and by the cross-talk with endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ signals. Increasing evidence indicates that mitochondrial Ca2+ overload is a pathological phenotype associated with Alzheimer's Disease (AD). As intracellular Ca2+ dysregulation can be observed before the appearance of typical pathological hallmarks of AD, it is believed that mitochondrial Ca2+ overload may also play an important role in AD etiology. The high mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake can easily compromise neuronal functions and exacerbate AD progression by impairing mitochondrial respiration, increasing reactive oxygen species formation and inducing apoptosis. Additionally, mitochondrial Ca2+ overload can damage mitochondrial recycling via mitophagy. This review will discuss the molecular players involved in mitochondrial Ca2+ dysregulation and the pharmacotherapies that target this dysregulation. As most of the current AD therapeutics are based on amyloidopathy, tauopathy, and the cholinergic hypothesis, they achieve only symptomatic relief. Thus, determining how to reestablish mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis may aid in the development of novel AD therapeutic interventions.

Elevating the Levels of Calcium Ions Exacerbate Alzheimer's Disease via Inducing the Production and Aggregation of β-Amyloid Protein and Phosphorylated Tau

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with a high incidence rate. The main pathological features of AD are β-amyloid plaques (APs), which are formed by β-amyloid protein (Aβ) deposition, and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), which are formed by the excessive phosphorylation of the tau protein. Although a series of studies have shown that the accumulation of metal ions, including calcium ions (Ca²⁺), can promote the formation of APs and NFTs, there is no systematic review of the mechanisms by which Ca²⁺ affects the development and progression of AD. In view of this, the current review summarizes the mechanisms by which Ca²⁺ is transported into and out of cells and organelles, such as the cell, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrial and lysosomal membranes to affect the balance of intracellular Ca²⁺ levels. In addition, dyshomeostasis of Ca²⁺ plays an important role in modulating the pathogenesis of AD by influencing the production and aggregation of Aβ peptides and tau protein phosphorylation and the ways that disrupting the metabolic balance of Ca²⁺ can affect the learning ability and memory of people with AD. In addition, the effects of these mechanisms on the synaptic plasticity are also discussed. Finally, the molecular network through which Ca²⁺ regulates the pathogenesis of AD is introduced, providing a theoretical basis for improving the clinical treatment of AD.

The role of Bcl-2 proteins in modulating neuronal Ca2+ signaling in health and in Alzheimer's disease

The family of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) proteins exerts key functions in cellular health. Bcl-2 primarily acts in mitochondria where it controls the initiation of apoptosis. However, during the last decades, it has become clear that this family of proteins is also involved in controlling intracellular Ca²⁺ signaling, a critical process for the function of most cell types, including neurons. Several anti- and pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members are expressed in neurons and impact neuronal function. Importantly, expression levels of neuronal Bcl-2 proteins are affected by age. In this review, we focus on the emerging roles of Bcl-2 proteins in neuronal cells. Specifically, we discuss how their dysregulation contributes to the onset, development, and progression of neurodegeneration in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aberrant Ca²⁺ signaling plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD, and we propose that dysregulation of the Bcl-2-Ca²⁺ signaling axis may contribute to the progression of AD and that herein, Bcl-2 may constitute a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of AD.

Transgenic Mice Overexpressing Human STIM2 and ORAI1 in Neurons Exhibit Changes in Behavior and Calcium Homeostasis but Show No Signs of Neurodegeneration

The maintenance of proper cytosolic Ca²⁺ level is crucial for neuronal survival, and dysregulation of Ca²⁺ homeostasis is found in a variety of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. According to the “Ca²⁺ hypothesis of aging”, Ca²⁺ disturbances precede the onset of AD symptoms and lead to neurodegeneration. STIM and ORAI proteins are involved in neuronal physiological and pathological processes as essential components of the store-operated Ca²⁺ entry. Our previous data suggested that overexpression of STIM2 and ORAI1 might increase basal neuronal cytosolic Ca²⁺ level. We generated double transgenic mice overexpressing these two genes in neurons, expecting that the increased basal Ca²⁺ concentration will lead to premature neurodegeneration. We observed changes in Ca²⁺ homeostasis and electrophysiological properties in acute brain slices of STIM2/ORAI1 neurons. However, we did not observe any augmentation of neurodegenerative processes, as tested by Fluoro-Jade^® C staining and assessment of amyloidogenesis. The battery of behavioral tests did not show any signs of accelerated aging. We conclude that changes of calcium homeostasis induced by overexpression of STIM2 and ORAI1 had no substantial adverse effects on neurons and did not lead to early neurodegeneration.

Tau-Induced Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase-IV Activation Aggravates Nuclear Tau Hyperphosphorylation

Hyperphosphorylated tau is the major protein component of neurofibrillary tangles in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the mechanism underlying tau hyperphosphorylation is not fully understood. Here, we demonstrated that exogenously expressed wild-type human tau40 was detectable in the phosphorylated form at multiple AD-associated sites in cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions from HEK293 cells. Among these sites, tau phosphorylated at Thr205 and Ser214 was almost exclusively found in the nuclear fraction at the conditions used in the present study. With the intracellular tau accumulation, the Ca²⁺ concentration was significantly increased in both cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions. Further studies using site-specific mutagenesis and pharmacological treatment demonstrated that phosphorylation of tau at Thr205 increased nuclear Ca²⁺ concentration with a simultaneous increase in the phosphorylation of Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaMKIV) at Ser196. On the other hand, phosphorylation of tau at Ser214 did not significantly change the nuclear Ca²⁺/CaMKIV signaling. Finally, expressing calmodulin-binding protein-4 that disrupts formation of the Ca²⁺/calmodulin complex abolished the okadaic acid-induced tau hyperphosphorylation in the nuclear fraction. We conclude that the intracellular accumulation of phosphorylated tau, as detected in the brains of AD patients, can trigger nuclear Ca²⁺/CaMKIV signaling, which in turn aggravates tau hyperphosphorylation. Our findings provide new insights for tauopathies: hyperphosphorylation of intracellular tau and an increased Ca²⁺ concentration may induce a self-perpetuating harmful loop to promote neurodegeneration.

Alzheimer's disease due to loss of function: A new synthesis of the available data

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a highly complex disease involving a broad range of clinical, cellular, and biochemical manifestations that are currently not understood in combination. This has led to many views of AD, e.g. the amyloid, tau, presenilin, oxidative stress, and metal hypotheses. The amyloid hypothesis has dominated the field with its assumption that buildup of pathogenic β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide causes disease. This paradigm has been criticized, yet most data suggest that Aβ plays a key role in the disease. Here, a new loss-of-function hypothesis is synthesized that accounts for the anomalies of the amyloid hypothesis, e.g. the curious pathogenicity of the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio, the loss of Aβ caused by presenilin mutation, the mixed phenotypes of APP mutations, the poor clinical-biochemical correlations for genetic variant carriers, and the failure of Aβ reducing drugs. The amyloid-loss view accounts for recent findings on the structure and chemical features of Aβ variants and their coupling to human patient data. The lost normal function of APP/Aβ is argued to be metal transport across neuronal membranes, a view with no apparent anomalies and substantially more explanatory power than the gain-of-function amyloid hypothesis. In the loss-of-function scenario, the central event of Aβ aggregation is interpreted as a loss of soluble, functional monomer Aβ rather than toxic overload of oligomers. Accordingly, new research models and treatment strategies should focus on remediation of the functional amyloid balance, rather than strict containment of Aβ, which, for reasons rationalized in this review, has failed clinically.

Modeling the Interaction between β-Amyloid Aggregates and Choline Acetyltransferase Activity and Its Relation with Cholinergic Dysfunction through Two-Enzyme/Two-Compartment Model

The effect of β-amyloid aggregates on activity of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) which is responsible for synthesizing acetylcholine (ACh) in human brain is investigated through the two-enzyme/two-compartment (2E2C) model where the presynaptic neuron is considered as compartment 1 while both the synaptic cleft and the postsynaptic neuron are considered as compartment 2 through suggesting three different kinetic mechanisms for the inhibition effect. It is found that the incorporation of ChAT inhibition by β-amyloid aggregates into the 2E2C model is able to yield dynamic solutions for concentrations of generated β-amyloid, ACh, choline, acetate, and pH in addition to the rates of ACh synthesis and ACh hydrolysis in compartments 1 and 2. It is observed that ChAT activity needs a high concentration of β-amyloid aggregates production rate. It is found that ChAT activity is reduced significantly when neurons are exposed to high levels of β-amyloid aggregates leading to reduction in levels of ACh which is one of the most significant physiological symptoms of AD. Furthermore, the system of ACh neurocycle is dominated by the oscillatory behavior when ChAT enzyme is completely inhibited by β-amyloid. It is observed that the direct inactivation of ChAT by β-amyloid aggregates may be a probable mechanism contributing to the development of AD.

Ca2+ dysregulation in the endoplasmic reticulum related to Alzheimer's disease: A review on experimental progress and computational modeling

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating, incurable neurodegenerative disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Dysregulation of intracellular Ca(2+) signaling has been observed as an early event prior to the presence of clinical symptoms of AD and is believed to be a crucial factor contributing to its pathogenesis. The progressive and sustaining increase in the resting level of cytosolic Ca(2+) will affect downstream activities and neural functions. This review focuses on the issues relating to the increasing Ca(2+) release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) observed in AD neurons. Numerous research papers have suggested that the dysregulation of ER Ca(2+) homeostasis is associated with mutations in the presenilin genes and amyloid-β oligomers. These disturbances could happen at many different points in the signaling process, directly affecting ER Ca(2+) channels or interfering with related pathways, which makes it harder to reveal the underlying mechanisms. This review paper also shows that computational modeling is a powerful tool in Ca(2+) signaling studies and discusses the progress in modeling related to Ca(2+) dysregulation in AD research.

Multiplex assay for live-cell monitoring of cellular fates of amyloid-β precursor protein (APP)

Amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) plays a central role in pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. APP has a short half-life and undergoes complex proteolytic processing that is highly responsive to various stimuli such as changes in cellular lipid or energy homeostasis. Cellular trafficking of APP is controlled by its large protein interactome, including dozens of cytosolic adaptor proteins, and also by interactions with lipids. Currently, cellular regulation of APP is mostly studied based on appearance of APP-derived proteolytic fragments to conditioned media and cellular extracts. Here, we have developed a novel live-cell assay system based on several indirect measures that reflect altered APP trafficking and processing in cells. Protein-fragment complementation assay technology for detection of APP-BACE1 protein-protein interaction forms the core of the new assay. In a multiplex form, the assay can measure four endpoints: total cellular APP level, total secreted sAPP level in media, APP-BACE1 interaction in cells and in exosomes released by the cells. Functional validation of the assay with pharmacological and genetic tools revealed distinct patterns of cellular fates of APP, with immediate mechanistic implications. This new technology will facilitate functional genomics studies of late-onset Alzheimer's disease, drug discovery efforts targeting APP and characterization of the physiological functions of APP and its proteolytic fragments.

Ryanodine receptors: physiological function and deregulation in Alzheimer disease

Perturbed Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis emerges as a central player in Alzheimer disease (AD). Accordingly, different studies have reported alterations of the expression and the function of Ryanodine Receptors (RyR) in human AD-affected brains, in cells expressing familial AD-linked mutations on the β amyloid precursor protein (βAPP) and presenilins (the catalytic core in γ-secretase complexes cleaving the βAPP, thereby generating amyloid β (Aβ) peptides), as well as in the brain of various transgenic AD mice models. Data converge to suggest that RyR expression and function alteration are associated to AD pathogenesis through the control of: i) βAPP processing and Aβ peptide production, ii) neuronal death; iii) synaptic function; and iv) memory and learning abilities. In this review, we document the network of evidences suggesting that RyR could play a complex dual "compensatory/protective versus pathogenic" role contributing to the setting of histopathological lesions and synaptic deficits that are associated with the disease stages. We also discuss the possible mechanisms underlying RyR expression and function alterations in AD. Finally, we review recent publications showing that drug-targeting blockade of RyR and genetic manipulation of RyR reduces Aβ production, stabilizes synaptic transmission, and prevents learning and memory deficits in various AD mouse models. Chemically-designed RyR "modulators" could therefore be envisioned as new therapeutic compounds able to delay or block the progression of AD.

Deficiency of sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase impairs lysosomal metabolism of the amyloid precursor protein

Progressive accumulation of the amyloid β protein in extracellular plaques is a neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer disease. Amyloid β is generated during sequential cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β- and γ-secretases. In addition to the proteolytic processing by secretases, APP is also metabolized by lysosomal proteases. Here, we show that accumulation of intracellular sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) impairs the metabolism of APP. Cells lacking functional S1P-lyase, which degrades intracellular S1P, strongly accumulate full-length APP and its potentially amyloidogenic C-terminal fragments (CTFs) as compared with cells expressing the functional enzyme. By cell biological and biochemical methods, we demonstrate that intracellular inhibition of S1P-lyase impairs the degradation of APP and CTFs in lysosomal compartments and also decreases the activity of γ-secretase. Interestingly, the strong accumulation of APP and CTFs in S1P-lyase-deficient cells was reversed by selective mobilization of Ca(2+) from the endoplasmic reticulum or lysosomes. Intracellular accumulation of S1P also impairs maturation of cathepsin D and degradation of Lamp-2, indicating a general impairment of lysosomal activity. Together, these data demonstrate that S1P-lyase plays a critical role in the regulation of lysosomal activity and the metabolism of APP.

Regulation of amyloid precursor protein processing by serotonin signaling

Proteolytic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by the β- and γ-secretases releases the amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), which deposits in senile plaques and contributes to the etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The α-secretase cleaves APP in the Aβ peptide sequence to generate soluble APPα (sAPPα). Upregulation of α-secretase activity through the 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 (5-HT₄) receptor has been shown to reduce Aβ production, amyloid plaque load and to improve cognitive impairment in transgenic mouse models of AD. Consequently, activation of 5-HT₄ receptors following agonist stimulation is considered to be a therapeutic strategy for AD treatment; however, the signaling cascade involved in 5-HT₄ receptor-stimulated proteolysis of APP remains to be determined. Here we used chemical and siRNA inhibition to identify the proteins which mediate 5-HT_4d receptor-stimulated α-secretase activity in the SH-SY5Y human neuronal cell line. We show that G protein and Src dependent activation of phospholipase C are required for α-secretase activity, while, unexpectedly, adenylyl cyclase and cAMP are not involved. Further elucidation of the signaling pathway indicates that inositol triphosphate phosphorylation and casein kinase 2 activation is also a prerequisite for α-secretase activity. Our findings provide a novel route to explore the treatment of AD through 5-HT₄ receptor-induced α-secretase activation.

Genetic interactions found between calcium channel genes modulate amyloid load measured by positron emission tomography

Late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) is known to have a complex, oligogenic etiology, with considerable genetic heterogeneity. We investigated the influence of genetic interactions between genes in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathway on amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition as measured by PiB or AV-45 ligand positron emission tomography (PET) to aid in understanding LOAD's genetic etiology. Subsets of the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohorts were used for discovery and for two independent validation analyses. A significant interaction between RYR3 and CACNA1C was confirmed in all three of the independent ADNI datasets. Both genes encode calcium channels expressed in the brain. The results shown here support previous animal studies implicating interactions between these calcium channels in amyloidogenesis and suggest that the pathological cascade of this disease may be modified by interactions in the amyloid-calcium axis. Future work focusing on the mechanisms of such relationships may inform targets for clinical intervention.

Ca2+ influx through store-operated Ca2+ channels reduces Alzheimer disease β-amyloid peptide secretion

Alzheimer disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia, is characterized by the accumulation of β-amyloid peptides (Aβ) in senile plaques in the brains of affected patients. Many cellular mechanisms are thought to play important roles in the development and progression of AD. Several lines of evidence point to the dysregulation of Ca(2+) homeostasis as underlying aspects of AD pathogenesis. Moreover, direct roles in the regulation of Ca(2+) homeostasis have been demonstrated for proteins encoded by familial AD-linked genes such as PSEN1, PSEN2, and APP, as well as Aβ peptides. Whereas these studies support the hypothesis that disruption of Ca(2+) homeostasis contributes to AD, it is difficult to disentangle the effects of familial AD-linked genes on Aβ production from their effects on Ca(2+) homeostasis. Here, we developed a system in which cellular Ca(2+) homeostasis could be directly manipulated to study the effects on amyloid precursor protein metabolism and Aβ production. We overexpressed stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) and Orai1, the components of the store-operated Ca(2+) entry pathway, to generate cells with constitutive and store depletion-induced Ca(2+) entry. We found striking effects of Ca(2+) entry induced by overexpression of the constitutively active STIM1(D76A) mutant on amyloid precursor protein metabolism. Specifically, constitutive activation of Ca(2+) entry by expression of STIM1(D76A) significantly reduced Aβ secretion. Our results suggest that disruptions in Ca(2+) homeostasis may influence AD pathogenesis directly through the modulation of Aβ production.

Effects of ethanol on aggregation, serotonin release, and amyloid precursor protein processing in rat and human platelets

It is known that oxidative stress leads to amyloid precursor protein (APP) dysregulation in platelets. Ethanol (EtOH) is a vascular risk factor and induces oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was thus to investigate whether EtOH affects APP processing in rat and human platelets. Platelets were exposed to 50 mM EtOH with and without 2 mM calcium-chloride (CaCl₂) for 20 or 180 minutes at 37°C. Platelet aggregation, serotonin release and APP isoforms 130 and 106/110 kDa were analyzed. As a control, 100 mM H₂O₂ was tested in rat platelets. Our data show that EtOH alone did not affect any of the analyzed parameters, whereas CaCl₂ significantly increased aggregation of rat and human platelets. In addition, CaCl₂ alone enhanced serotonin release in rat platelets. EtOH counteracted CaCl₂-induced aggregation and serotonin release. In the presence of CaCl₂, EtOH reduced the 130 kDa APP isoform in rat and human platelets. In conclusion, this study shows that in the presence of CaCl₂, EtOH affects the platelet function and APP processing in rat and human platelets.

Ryanodine receptor blockade reduces amyloid-β load and memory impairments in Tg2576 mouse model of Alzheimer disease

In Alzheimer disease (AD), the perturbation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium (Ca²⁺) homeostasis has been linked to presenilins, the catalytic core in γ-secretase complexes cleaving the amyloid precursor protein (APP), thereby generating amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides. Here we investigate whether APP contributes to ER Ca²⁺ homeostasis and whether ER Ca²⁺ could in turn influence Aβ production. We show that overexpression of wild-type human APP (APP(695)), or APP harboring the Swedish double mutation (APP(swe)) triggers increased ryanodine receptor (RyR) expression and enhances RyR-mediated ER Ca²⁺ release in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and in APP(swe)-expressing (Tg2576) mice. Interestingly, dantrolene-induced lowering of RyR-mediated Ca²⁺ release leads to the reduction of both intracellular and extracellular Aβ load in neuroblastoma cells as well as in primary cultured neurons derived from Tg2576 mice. This Aβ reduction can be accounted for by decreased Thr-668-dependent APP phosphorylation and β- and γ-secretases activities. Importantly, dantrolene diminishes Aβ load, reduces Aβ-related histological lesions, and slows down learning and memory deficits in Tg2576 mice. Overall, our data document a key role of RyR in Aβ production and learning and memory performances, and delineate RyR-mediated control of Ca²⁺ homeostasis as a physiological paradigm that could be targeted for innovative therapeutic approaches.

BACE1 is at the crossroad of a toxic vicious cycle involving cellular stress and β-amyloid production in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex age-related pathology, the etiology of which has not been firmly delineated. Among various histological stigmata, AD-affected brains display several cellular dysfunctions reflecting enhanced oxidative stress, inflammation process and calcium homeostasis disturbance. Most of these alterations are directly or indirectly linked to amyloid β-peptides (Aβ), the production, molecular nature and biophysical properties of which likely conditions the degenerative process. It is particularly noticeable that, in a reverse control process, the above-described cellular dysfunctions alter Aβ peptides levels. β-secretase βAPP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is a key molecular contributor of this cross-talk. This enzyme is responsible for the primary cleavage generating the N-terminus of “full length” Aβ peptides and is also transcriptionally induced by several cellular stresses. This review summarizes data linking brain insults to AD-like pathology and documents the key role of BACE1 at the cross-road of a vicious cycle contributing to Aβ production.

Evidence supporting the role of calpain in the α-processing of amyloid-β precursor protein

Amyloid plaques are a hallmark of the aging and senile dementia brains, yet their mechanism of origins has remained elusive. A central issue is the regulatory mechanism and identity of α-secretase, a protease responsible for α-processing of amyloid-β precursor protein (APP). A remarkable feature of this enzyme is its high sensitivity to a wide range of cellular stimulators, many of which are agonists for Ca(2+) signaling. This feature, together with previous work in our laboratory, has suggested that calpain, a Ca(2+)-dependent protease, plays a key role in APP α-processing. In this study we report that overexpression of the μ-calpain gene in HEK293 cells resulted in a 2.7-fold increase of the protein levels. Measurements of intracellular calpain enzymatic activity revealed that the calpain overexpressing cells displayed a prominent elevation of the activity compared to wild-type cells. When the cells were stimulated by nicotine, glutamate or phorbol 12,13-dibutylester, the activity increase was even more remarkable and sensitive to calpeptin, a calpain inhibitor. Meanwhile, APP secretion from the calpain overexpressing cells was robustly increased under both resting and stimulated conditions over wild-type cells. Furthermore, cell surface biotinylation experiments showed that μ-calpain was clearly detected among the cell surface proteins. These data together support our view that calpain should be a reasonable candidate for α-secretase for further study. This model is discussed with an interesting fact that three other deposited proteins (tau, spectrin and crystalline) are also the known substrates of calpain. Finally we discuss some current misconceptions in senile dementia research.

New therapeutic targets in Alzheimer's disease: brain deregulation of calcium and zinc

The molecular determinants of Alzheimer's (AD) disease are still not completely known; however, in the past two decades, a large body of evidence has indicated that an important contributing factor for the disease is the development of an unbalanced homeostasis of two signaling cations: calcium (Ca²⁺) and zinc (Zn²⁺). Both ions serve a critical role in the physiological functioning of the central nervous system, but their brain deregulation promotes amyloid-β dysmetabolism as well as tau phosphorylation. AD is also characterized by an altered glutamatergic activation, and glutamate can promote both Ca²⁺ and Zn²⁺ dyshomeostasis. The two cations can operate synergistically to promote the generation of free radicals that further intracellular Ca²⁺ and Zn²⁺ rises and set the stage for a self-perpetuating harmful loop. These phenomena can be the initial steps in the pathogenic cascade leading to AD, therefore, therapeutic interventions aiming at preventing Ca²⁺ and Zn²⁺ dyshomeostasis may offer a great opportunity for disease-modifying strategies.

Enhanced ROS generation mediated by Alzheimer's disease presenilin regulation of InsP3R Ca2+ signaling

Familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) is caused by mutations in amyloid precursor protein and presenilins (PS1, PS2). Many FAD-linked PS mutations affect intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) homeostasis by proximal mechanisms independent of amyloid production by dramatically enhancing gating of the inositol trisphosphate receptor (InsP(3)R) intracellular Ca(2+) release channel by a gain-of-function effect that mirrors genetics of FAD and is independent of secretase activity. Electrophysiological recordings of InsP(3)R in FAD patient B cells, cortical neurons of asymptomatic PS1-AD mice, and other cells revealed they have higher occupancy in a high open probability burst mode, resulting in enhanced Ca(2+) signaling. Exaggerated Ca(2+) signaling through this mechanism results in enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species, believed to be an important component in AD pathogenesis. Exaggerated Ca(2+) signaling through InsP(3)R-PS interaction is a disease specific and robust proximal mechanism in AD that may contribute to the pathology of AD by enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species.

Gain-of-function enhancement of IP3 receptor modal gating by familial Alzheimer's disease-linked presenilin mutants in human cells and mouse neurons

Familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) is caused by mutations in amyloid precursor protein or presenilins (PS1 and PS2). Many FAD-linked PS mutations affect intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) homeostasis by mechanisms proximal to and independent of amyloid production, although the molecular details are controversial. We found that several FAD-causing PS mutants enhance gating of the inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP(3)R) Ca(2+) release channel by a gain-of-function effect that mirrored the genetics of FAD and was independent of secretase activity. In contrast, wild-type PS or PS mutants that cause frontotemporal dementia had no such effect. FAD-causing PS mutants altered the modes in which the IP(3)R channel gated. Recordings of endogenous IP(3)R in lymphoblasts derived from individuals with FAD or cortical neurons of asymptomatic PS1-AD mice revealed that they were more likely than IP(3)R in cells with wild-type PS to dwell in a high open-probability burst mode, resulting in enhanced Ca(2+) signaling. These results indicate that exaggerated Ca(2+) signaling through IP(3)R-PS interaction is a disease-specific and robust proximal mechanism in FAD.

The dysregulation of intracellular calcium in Alzheimer disease

Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide and is at present, incurable. The accumulation of toxic amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide aggregates in AD brain are thought to trigger the extensive synaptic loss and neurodegeneration linked to cognitive decline, an idea that underlies the 'amyloid hypothesis' of AD etiology in both the familal (FAD) and sporadic forms of the disease. Mutations causing FAD also result in the dysregulation of neuronal calcium (Ca2+) handling and may contribute to AD pathogenesis, an idea termed the 'calcium hypothesis' of AD. In particular, Ca2+ dysregulation by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in AD mouse models results in augmented cytosolic Ca2+ levels which can trigger signalling cascades that are detrimental to neuronal function and health. However, there is growing evidence to suggest that not all forms of Ca2+ dysregulation in AD neurons are harmful and some of them instead may be compensatory. These changes may help modulate neuronal excitability and slow AD pathology, especially in the early stages of the disease. Clearly, a better understanding of how dysregulation of neuronal Ca2+ handling contributes to neurodegeneration and neuroprotection in AD is needed as Ca2+ signalling modulators are targets of great interest as potential AD therapeutics.

A functional mouse retroposed gene Rps23r1 reduces Alzheimer's beta-amyloid levels and tau phosphorylation

Senile plaques consisting of beta-amyloid (Abeta) and neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau are major pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Elucidation of factors that modulate Abeta generation and tau hyperphosphorylation is crucial for AD intervention. Here, we identify a mouse gene Rps23r1 that originated through retroposition of ribosomal protein S23. We demonstrate that RPS23R1 protein reduces the levels of Abeta and tau phosphorylation by interacting with adenylate cyclases to activate cAMP/PKA and thus inhibit GSK-3 activity. The function of Rps23r1 is demonstrated in cells of various species including human, and in transgenic mice overexpressing RPS23R1. Furthermore, the AD-like pathologies of triple transgenic AD mice were improved and levels of synaptic maker proteins increased after crossing them with Rps23r1 transgenic mice. Our studies reveal a new target/pathway for regulating AD pathologies and uncover a retrogene and its role in regulating protein kinase pathways.

Intracellular calcium signalling in Alzheimer's disease

More than two decades ago, dysregulation of the intracellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis was suggested to underlie the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This hypothesis was tested in numerous in vitro studies, which revealed multiple Ca²⁺ signalling pathways able to contribute to AD pathology. It remained, however, unclear whether these pathways are also activated in vivo, in cells involved in signal processing in the living brain. Here we review recent data analysing intracellular Ca²⁺ signalling in vivo in the context of previous in vitro findings. We particularly focus on the processes taking place in the immediate vicinity of amyloid plaques and on their possible role for AD-mediated brain dysfunction.

Up-regulation of the type 3 ryanodine receptor is neuroprotective in the TgCRND8 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

The cellular pathology of Alzheimer's disease is progressive and protracted leading eventually to considerable neuronal death. The underlying mechanisms of the pathology are complex but changes in the control of intracellular Ca2+ are believed to contribute to the demise of neurons. In this study, we investigated the functional consequences of an increase in the expression of the type 3 isoform of the ryanodine receptor (RyR3). We found that although cortical neurons from TgCRND8 mice secreted significantly more amyloid beta protein and showed significantly increased RyR3 expression, they were no more sensitive to cell stress than non-transgenic neurons. Furthermore, despite increased intracellular Ca2+ release in response to ryanodine, we found that basal Ca2+, K+-evoked Ca2+ responses, and capacitative Ca2+ entry were no different in TgCRND8 neurons compared with non-transgenic neurons. Therefore, as RyR3 up-regulation did not affect neuronal health or global Ca2+ homeostasis, we investigated the effect of reducing RyR3 expression using small interfering RNA. Surprisingly, a reduction of RyR3 expression in TgCRND8, but not in non-transgenic, neurons increased neuronal death. These data reveal a new role for RyR3 and indicate a novel potential therapeutic target to delay or prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Calcium dysregulation in Alzheimer's disease: from mechanisms to therapeutic opportunities

Calcium is involved in many facets of neuronal physiology, including activity, growth and differentiation, synaptic plasticity, and learning and memory, as well as pathophysiology, including necrosis, apoptosis, and degeneration. Though disturbances in calcium homeostasis in cells from Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients have been observed for many years, much more attention was focused on amyloid-beta (Abeta) and tau as key causative factors for the disease. Nevertheless, increasing lines of evidence have recently reported that calcium dysregulation plays a central role in AD pathogenesis. Systemic calcium changes accompany almost the whole brain pathology process that is observed in AD, including synaptic dysfunction, mitochondrial dysfunction, presenilins mutation, Abeta production and Tau phosphorylation. Given the early and ubiquitous involvement of calcium dysregulation in AD pathogenesis, it logically presents a variety of potential therapeutic targets for AD prevention and treatment, such as calcium channels in the plasma membrane, calcium channels in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, Abeta-formed calcium channels, calcium-related proteins. The review aims to provide an overview of the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in calcium dysregulation in AD, and an insight on how to exploit calcium regulation as therapeutic opportunities in AD.

The ER and ageing II: calcium homeostasis

Increase in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration occurs by Ca(2+) influx through the plasma membrane and by Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores. The ER is the most important Ca(2+) store. Its stress, characterized by the impairment of Ca(2+) homeostasis and by the accumulation of misfolded proteins, can be induced by different factors. In turn, it induces defense mechanisms such as unfolded protein response, and when it is severe and prolonged, activation of the apoptotic pathway. Damage to the ER, impairment of its function, and a decreased level of its Ca(2+)-handling proteins might all play a role in physiological ageing by handicapping the ER stress response. Thus, healthy ageing is accompanied by subtle alterations of Ca(2+) homeostasis and signaling, including alterations in the ER Ca(2+) load and release. The expression and/or function of ryanodine receptors, IP3 receptors, and SERCA Ca(2+) pumps located in the ER membrane, and Ca(2+)-binding proteins within ER lumen all seem to be affected in aged cells. Data are presented on age-dependent, tissue-specific changes in ER-related Ca(2+) homeostasis in skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscles, as well as in the nervous and immune systems. Disturbances of Ca(2+) homeostasis and of signaling are potential targets for intervention in aged humans.

Muscarinic receptor 1 agonist activity of novel N-aryl carboxamide substituted 3-morpholino arecoline derivatives in Alzheimer's presenile dementia models

Earlier we have reported the effect of arecoline thiazolidinone and morpholino arecoline derivatives as muscarinic receptor 1 agonists in Alzheimer's presenile dementia models. To elucidate further our Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) studies on the chemistry and muscarinic receptor 1 binding efficacy, a series of novel carboxamide derivatives of 2-(1-methyl-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridin-3-yl)morpholine molecule have been designed and synthesized as a new class of M1 receptor agonists with a low toxicity effect profile that enhances memory function in animal models of Alzheimer's presenile dementia and also modulates the APP secretion from rat brain cerebrocortical slices by activating M1 receptor in vitro. Results suggest that compound 9b having methyl group at the para position of the aryl group attached to the carboxamide of morpholino arecoline could emerge as a potent molecule having antidementia activity.

Calcium signaling in neurodegeneration

Calcium is a key signaling ion involved in many different intracellular and extracellular processes ranging from synaptic activity to cell-cell communication and adhesion. The exact definition at the molecular level of the versatility of this ion has made overwhelming progress in the past several years and has been extensively reviewed. In the brain, calcium is fundamental in the control of synaptic activity and memory formation, a process that leads to the activation of specific calcium-dependent signal transduction pathways and implicates key protein effectors, such as CaMKs, MAPK/ERKs, and CREB. Properly controlled homeostasis of calcium signaling not only supports normal brain physiology but also maintains neuronal integrity and long-term cell survival. Emerging knowledge indicates that calcium homeostasis is not only critical for cell physiology and health, but also, when deregulated, can lead to neurodegeneration via complex and diverse mechanisms involved in selective neuronal impairments and death. The identification of several modulators of calcium homeostasis, such as presenilins and CALHM1, as potential factors involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, provides strong support for a role of calcium in neurodegeneration. These observations represent an important step towards understanding the molecular mechanisms of calcium signaling disturbances observed in different brain diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases.

Time for a change in the research paradigm for Alzheimer's disease: the value of a chaotic matrix modeling approach

The amyloid cascade hypothesis, based on the genetic data from early onset, familial forms of the disease, has been the dominant model for many years and involves over production and deposition of the beta amyloid protein as causal in the disease process. However, it does not apply very well to the more common, later onset, sporadic form of the disease, where a wider range of factors appear to be involved in disease progression. Over recent years, data illustrating reciprocal interactions between the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its various metabolites with many factors involved in normal synaptic plasticity have emerged. These feedback relationships have the potential to affect the complex kinase cascades involved in every aspect of neuronal function. Further, data regarding the multiple roles of the presenilins have the potential to allow the over expression and deposition of the amyloid beta protein to be both a cause and consequence of disease progression, with relevance in both sporadic and familial of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Disease progression might be better explained by a chaotic matrix of factors and raises the question again whether AD should be approached as a single entity or as a syndrome, with important consequences for disease identification and treatment.

Calcium ions in neuronal degeneration

Neuronal Ca(2+) homeostasis and Ca(2+) signaling regulate multiple neuronal functions, including synaptic transmission, plasticity, and cell survival. Therefore disturbances in Ca(2+) homeostasis can affect the well-being of the neuron in different ways and to various degrees. Ca(2+) homeostasis undergoes subtle dysregulation in the physiological ageing. Products of energy metabolism accumulating with age together with oxidative stress gradually impair Ca(2+) homeostasis, making neurons more vulnerable to additional stress which, in turn, can lead to neuronal degeneration. Neurodegenerative diseases related to aging, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or Huntington's disease, develop slowly and are characterized by the positive feedback between Ca(2+) dyshomeostasis and the aggregation of disease-related proteins such as amyloid beta, alfa-synuclein, or huntingtin. Ca(2+) dyshomeostasis escalates with time eventually leading to neuronal loss. Ca(2+) dyshomeostasis in these chronic pathologies comprises mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction, Ca(2+) buffering impairment, glutamate excitotoxicity and alterations in Ca(2+) entry routes into neurons. Similar changes have been described in a group of multifactorial diseases not related to ageing, such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or glaucoma. Dysregulation of Ca(2+) homeostasis caused by HIV infection or by sudden accidents, such as brain stroke or traumatic brain injury, leads to rapid neuronal death. The differences between the distinct types of Ca(2+) dyshomeostasis underlying neuronal degeneration in various types of pathologies are not clear. Questions that should be addressed concern the sequence of pathogenic events in an affected neuron and the pattern of progressive degeneration in the brain itself. Moreover, elucidation of the selective vulnerability of various types of neurons affected in the diseases described here will require identification of differences in the types of Ca(2+) homeostasis and signaling among these neurons. This information will be required for improved targeting of Ca(2+) homeostasis and signaling components in future therapeutic strategies, since no effective treatment is currently available to prevent neuronal degeneration in any of the pathologies described here.

Neuronal calcium mishandling and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease

Perturbed neuronal Ca(2+) homeostasis is implicated in age-related cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD). With advancing age, neurons encounter increased oxidative stress and impaired energy metabolism, which compromise the function of proteins that control membrane excitability and subcellular Ca(2+) dynamics. Toxic forms of amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) can induce Ca(2+) influx into neurons by inducing membrane-associated oxidative stress or by forming an oligomeric pore in the membrane, thereby rendering neurons vulnerable to excitotoxicity and apoptosis. AD-causing mutations in the beta-amyloid precursor protein and presenilins can compromise these normal proteins in the plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum, respectively. Emerging knowledge of the actions of Ca(2+) upstream and downstream of Abeta provides opportunities to develop novel preventative and therapeutic interventions for AD.

Mechanism of Ca2+ disruption in Alzheimer's disease by presenilin regulation of InsP3 receptor channel gating

Mutations in presenilins (PS) are the major cause of familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) and have been associated with calcium (Ca2+) signaling abnormalities. Here, we demonstrate that FAD mutant PS1 (M146L)and PS2 (N141I) interact with the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R) Ca2+ release channel and exert profound stimulatory effects on its gating activity in response to saturating and suboptimal levels of InsP3. These interactions result in exaggerated cellular Ca2+ signaling in response to agonist stimulation as well as enhanced low-level Ca2+signaling in unstimulated cells. Parallel studies in InsP3R-expressing and -deficient cells revealed that enhanced Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum as a result of the specific interaction of PS1-M146L with the InsP3R stimulates amyloid beta processing,an important feature of AD pathology. These observations provide molecular insights into the "Ca2+ dysregulation" hypothesis of AD pathogenesis and suggest novel targets for therapeutic intervention.

Homer2 and Homer3 interact with amyloid precursor protein and inhibit Abeta production

The study of Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) processing has been the focus of considerable interest, since it leads to Abeta peptide generation, the main constituent of neuritic plaques found in brains of Alzheimer's disease patients. Therefore, the identification of novel APP binding partners that regulate Abeta peptide production represents a pharmaceutical target aiming at reducing Alphabeta pathology. In this study, we provide evidence that Homer2 and Homer3 but not Homer1 proteins interact specifically with APP. Their expression inhibits APP processing and reduces secretion of Abeta peptides. In addition, they decrease the levels of cell surface APP and inhibit maturation of APP and beta-secretase (BACE1). The effects of Homer2 and Homer3 on APP trafficking to the cell surface and/or on APP and BACE1 maturation could be part of the mechanism by which the expression of these proteins leads to the significant reduction of Abeta peptide production.

Fifty Hertz electromagnetic field exposure stimulates secretion of beta-amyloid peptide in cultured human neuroglioma

Recent epidemiological studies raise the possibility that individuals with occupational exposure to low frequency (50-60 Hz) electromagnetic fields (LF-EMF), are at increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the mechanisms through which LF-EMF may affect AD pathology are unknown. We here tested the hypothesis that the exposure to LF-EMF may affect amyloidogenic processes. We examined the effect of exposure to 3.1 mT 50 Hz LF-EMF on Abeta secretion in H4 neuroglioma cells stably overexpressing human mutant amyloid precursor protein. We found that overnight exposure to LF-EMF induces a significant increase of amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) secretion, including the isoform Abeta 1-42, without affecting cell survival. These findings show for the first time that exposure to LF-EMF stimulates Abeta secretion in vitro, thus alluding to a potential link between LF-EMF exposure and APP processing in the brain.

Nicotinic component of galantamine in the regulation of amyloid precursor protein processing

Current therapies for Alzheimer's disease treatment rely mainly on acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, improving central cholinergic neurotransmission. Among these molecules, galantamine (GAL) has an interesting pharmacological profile as it is both a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and an allosteric potentiator of nicotinic cholinergic receptors. We investigated the effect of GAL on the metabolism of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) in differentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. The rationale was based on the suggestion that cholinergic activity may also be involved in the regulation of APP metabolism. We studied the acute effect on APP metabolism measuring the secretion of sAPPalpha in the conditioned medium of cells. Following 2h treatment, GAL 10microM promoted a strong increase in the release of sAPPalpha, the maximal effect approaching on average three-fold baseline value. The compound appeared to increase the release of sAPPalpha, with a mechanism dependent upon an indirect cholinergic stimulation. The effect of GAL was prevented by pre-treatment with alpha-bungarotoxin (40nM) but not low (nanomolar) atropine concentrations, suggesting the specific involvement of nicotinic cholinergic receptors.

Apolipoprotein E isoforms increase intracellular Ca2+ differentially through a omega-agatoxin IVa-sensitive Ca2+-channel

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is the major apolipoprotein in the brain and is known for its important role in plasticity and neurodegeneration. We show that apoE dose-dependently increases intracellular free Ca2+ in rat hippocampal astrocytes and neurons. This effect varies with isoforms in the order E4 > E3 > E2. It is insensitive to blockade of action potentials by tetrodotoxin or inhibition of binding of apoE by heparinase, by the LRP ligand lactoferrin and by low density lipoprotein. ApoE evoked Ca2+-increases are blocked in zero [Ca]o and by the Ca-channel antagonists nickel and omega-Agatoxin-IVa but not by nifedipine and omega-Conotoxin-GVIa, demonstrating an isoform-specific activation of P/Q type Ca2+-channels. This novel mechanism is discussed with respect to Alzheimer's disease, that is linked for most cases to the apoE epsilon-allelic variation (epsilon4 > epsilon3 > epsilon2).