Intracellular metalloprotease activity controls intraneuronal Aβ aggregation and limits secretion of Aβ via exosomes

Accumulating evidence suggests that the abnormal aggregation of amyloid-β (Αβ) peptide in Alzheimer's disease (AD) begins intraneuronally, within vesicles of the endosomal-lysosomal pathway where Aβ is both generated and degraded. Metalloproteases, including endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE)-1 and -2, reside within these vesicles and normally limit the accumulation of intraneuronally produced Aβ. In this study, we determined whether disruption of Aβ catabolism could trigger Aβ aggregation within neurons and increase the amount of Aβ associated with exosomes, small extracellular vesicles derived from endosomal multivesicular bodies. Using cultured cell lines, primary neurons, and organotypic brain slices from an AD mouse model, we found that pharmacological inhibition of the ECE family of metalloproteases increased intracellular and extracellular Aβ levels and promoted the intracellular formation of Aβ oligomers, a process that did not require internalization of secreted Aβ. In vivo, the accumulation of intraneuronal Aβ aggregates was accompanied by increased levels of both extracellular and exosome-associated Aβ, including oligomeric species. Neuronal exosomes were found to contain both ECE-1 and -2 activities, suggesting that multivesicular bodies are intracellular sites of Aβ degradation by these enzymes. ECE dysfunction could lead to the accumulation of intraneuronal Aβ aggregates and their subsequent release into the extracellular space via exosomes.-Pacheco-Quinto, J., Clausen, D., Pérez-González, R., Peng, H., Meszaros, A., Eckman, C. B., Levy, E., Eckman, E. A. Intracellular metalloprotease activity controls intraneuronal Aβ aggregation and limits secretion of Aβ via exosomes.

Major amyloid-β-degrading enzymes, endothelin-converting enzyme-2 and neprilysin, are expressed by distinct populations of GABAergic interneurons in hippocampus and neocortex

Impaired clearance of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) has been postulated to significantly contribute to the amyloid accumulation typical of Alzheimer's disease. Among the enzymes known to degrade Aβ in vivo are endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE)-1, ECE-2, and neprilysin (NEP), and evidence suggests that they regulate independent pools of Aβ that may be functionally significant. To better understand the differential regulation of Aβ concentration by its physiological degrading enzymes, we characterized the cell and region-specific expression pattern of ECE-1, ECE-2, and NEP by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry in brain areas relevant to Alzheimer's disease. In contrast to the broader distribution of ECE-1, ECE-2 and NEP were found enriched in GABAergic neurons. ECE-2 was majorly expressed by somatostatin-expressing interneurons and was active in isolated synaptosomes. NEP messenger RNA was found mainly in parvalbumin-expressing interneurons, with NEP protein localized to perisomatic parvalbuminergic synapses. The identification of somatostatinergic and parvalbuminergic synapses as hubs for Aβ degradation is consistent with the possibility that Aβ may have a physiological function related to the regulation of inhibitory signaling.

Endothelin-converting enzymes and related metalloproteases in Alzheimer's disease

The efficient clearance of amyloid-β (Aβ) is essential to modulate levels of the peptide in the brain and to prevent it from accumulating in senile plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology.We and others have shown that failure in Aβ catabolism can produce elevations in Aβ concentration similar to those observed in familial forms of AD. Based on the available evidence, it remains plausible that in late-onset AD, disturbances in the activity of Aβ degrading enzymes could induce Aβ accumulation, and that this increase could result in AD pathology. The following review presents a historical perspective of the parallel discovery of three vasopeptidases (neprilysin and endothelin-converting enzymes-1 and -2) as important Aβ degrading enzymes. The recognition of the role of these vasopeptidases in Aβ degradation, beyond bringing to light a possible explanation of how cardiovascular risk factors may influence AD risk, highlights a possible risk of the use of inhibitors of these enzymes for other clinical indications such as hypertension. We will discuss in detail the experiments conducted to assess the impact of vasopeptidase deficiency (through pharmacological inhibition or genetic mutation) on Aβ accumulation, as well as the cooperative effect of multiple Aβ degrading enzymes to regulate the concentration of the peptide at multiple sites, both intracellular and extracellular, throughout the brain.

Discovery of a novel pharmacological and structural class of gamma secretase modulators derived from the extract of Actaea racemosa

A screen of a library of synthetic drugs and natural product extracts identified a botanical extract that modulates the processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in cultured cells to produce a lowered ratio of amyloid-beta peptide (1-42) (Aβ42) relative to Aβ40. This profile is of interest as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The extract, from the black cohosh plant (Actaea racemosa), was subjected to bioassay guided fractionation to isolate active components. Using a combination of normal-phase and reverse-phase chromatography, a novel triterpene monoglycoside, 1, was isolated. This compound was found to have an IC(50) of 100 nM for selectively reducing the production of amyloidogenic Aβ42 while having a much smaller effect on the production of Aβ40 (IC(50) 6.3 μM) in cultured cells overexpressing APP. Using IP-MS methods, this compound was found to modulate the pool of total Aβ produced by reducing the proportion of Aβ42 while increasing the relative amounts of shorter and less amyloidogenic Aβ37 and Aβ39. Concentrations of 1 sufficient to lower levels of Aβ42 substantially (up to 10 μM) did not significantly affect the processing of Notch or other aspects of APP processing. When 1 (10 μg) was administered to CD-1 normal mice intracerebroventricularly, the level of Aβ42 in brain was reduced. Assays for off-target pharmacology and the absence of overt signs of toxicity in mice dosed with compound 1 suggest a comparatively selective pharmacology for this triterpenoid. Compound 1 represents a new lead for the development of potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease via modulation of gamma-secretase.

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 contributes to parenchymal hemorrhage and necrosis in the remnant liver after extended hepatectomy in mice

AIM: To investigate the effect of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) on the remnant liver after massive hepatectomy in the mouse.

METHODS: Age-matched, C57BL/6 wild-type (WT), MMP-9(-/-), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1(-/-) mice were used. The mice received 80%-partial hepatectomy (PH). Samples were obtained at 6 h after 80%-PH, and we used histology, immunohistochemical staining, western blotting analysis and zymography to investigate the effect of PH on MMP-9. The role of MMP-9 after PH was investigated using a monoclonal antibody and MMP inhibitor.

RESULTS: We examined the remnant liver 6 h after 80%-PH and found that MMP-9 deficiency attenuated the formation of hemorrhage and necrosis. There were significantly fewer and smaller hemorrhagic and necrotic lesions in MMP-9(-/-) remnant livers compared with WT and TIMP-1(-/-) livers (P < 0.01), with no difference between WT and TIMP-1(-/-) mice. Serum alanine aminotransaminase levels were significantly lower in MMP-9(-/-) mice compared with those in TIMP-1(-/-) mice (WT: 476 ± 83 IU/L, MMP-9(-/-): 392 ± 30 IU/L, TIMP-1(-/-): 673 ± 73 IU/L, P < 0.01). Western blotting and gelatin zymography demonstrated a lack of MMP-9 expression and activity in MMP-9(-/-) mice, which was in contrast to WT and TIMP-1(-/-) mice. No change in MMP-2 expression was observed in any of the study groups. Similar to MMP-9(-/-) mice, when WT mice were treated with MMP-9 monoclonal antibody or the synthetic inhibitor GM6001, hemorrhagic and necrotic lesions were significantly smaller and fewer than in control mice (P < 0.05). These results suggest that MMP-9 plays an important role in the development of parenchymal hemorrhage and necrosis in the small remnant liver.

CONCLUSION: Successful MMP-9 inhibition attenuates the formation of hemorrhage and necrosis and might be a potential therapy to ameliorate liver injury after massive hepatectomy.

Downregulation of CREB expression in Alzheimer's brain and in Aβ-treated rat hippocampal neurons

Background

Oxidative stress plays an important role in neuronal dysfunction and neuron loss in Alzheimer's brain. Previous studies have reported downregulation of CREB-mediated transcription by oxidative stress and Aβ. The promoter for CREB itself contains cyclic AMP response elements. Therefore, we examined the expression of CREB in the hippocampal neurons of Tg2576 mice, AD post-mortem brain and in cultured rat hippocampal neurons exposed to Aβ aggregates.

Results

Laser Capture Microdissection of hippocampal neurons from Tg2576 mouse brain revealed decreases in the mRNA levels of CREB and its target, BDNF. Immunohistochemical analysis of Tg2576 mouse brain showed decreases in CREB levels in hippocampus and cortex. Markers of oxidative stress were detected in transgenic mouse brain and decreased CREB staining was observed in regions showing abundance of astrocytes. There was also an inverse correlation between SDS-extracted Aβ and CREB protein levels in Alzheimer's post-mortem hippocampal samples. The levels of CREB-regulated BDNF and BIRC3, a caspase inhibitor, decreased and the active cleaved form of caspase-9, a marker for the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis, was elevated in these samples. Exposure of rat primary hippocampal neurons to Aβ fibrils decreased CREB promoter activity. Decrease in CREB mRNA levels in Aβ-treated neurons was reversed by the antioxidant, N-acetyl cysteine. Overexpression of CREB by adenoviral transduction led to significant protection against Aβ-induced neuronal apoptosis.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that chronic downregulation of CREB-mediated transcription results in decrease of CREB content in the hippocampal neurons of AD brain which may contribute to exacerbation of disease progression.

Occludin is regulated by epidermal growth factor receptor activation in brain endothelial cells and brains of mice with acute liver failure

Mechanisms of brain edema in acute liver failure (ALF) are not completely understood. We recently demonstrated that matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) induces significant alterations to occludin in brain endothelial cells in vitro and in brains of mice with experimental ALF (Hepatology 2009;50:1914). In this study we show that MMP-9-induced transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and p38 MAPK/NFκB (mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor-kappa B) signals participate in regulating brain endothelial occludin level. Mouse brain endothelial bEnd3 cells were exposed to MMP-9 or p38 MAPK up-regulation in the presence and absence of EGFR inhibitor, p38 MAPK inhibitor, NFκB inhibitor, and/or appropriate small interfering RNA. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting were used for messenger RNA and protein expression analyses. Immunohistochemical staining and confocal microscopy were used to demonstrate cellular EGFR activation. Intraperitoneal azoxymethane was use to induce ALF in mice. Brains of comatose ALF mice were processed for histological and biochemical analyses. When bEnd3 cells were exposed to MMP-9, EGFR was significantly transactivated, followed by p38 MAPK activation, I-kappa B alpha (IκBα) degradation, NFκB activation, and suppression of occludin synthesis and expression. Similar EGFR activation and p38 MAPK/NFκB activation were found in the brains of ALF mice, and these changes were attenuated with GM6001 treatment.

CONCLUSION

EGFR activation with p38 MAPK/NFκB signaling contributes to the regulation of tight junction integrity in ALF. EGFR activation may thus play an important role in vasogenic brain edema in ALF.

The diarylheptanoid (+)-aR,11S-myricanol and two flavones from bayberry (Myrica cerifera) destabilize the microtubule-associated protein tau

Target-based drug discovery for Alzheimer's disease (AD) centered on modulation of the amyloid β peptide has met with limited success. Therefore, recent efforts have focused on targeting the microtubule-associated protein tau. Tau pathologically accumulates in more than 15 neurodegenerative diseases and is most closely linked with postsymptomatic progression in AD. We endeavored to identify compounds that decrease tau stability rather than prevent its aggregation. An extract from Myrica cerifera (bayberry/southern wax myrtle) potently reduced both endogenous and overexpressed tau protein levels in cells and murine brain slices. The bayberry flavonoids myricetin and myricitrin were confirmed to contribute to this potency, but a diarylheptanoid, myricanol, was the most effective anti-tau component in the extract, with potency approaching the best targeted lead therapies. (+)-aR,11S-Myricanol, isolated from M. cerifera and reported here for the first time as the naturally occurring aglycone, was significantly more potent than commercially available (±)-myricanol. Myricanol may represent a novel scaffold for drug development efforts targeting tau turnover in AD.

Comprehensive and innovative techniques for liver transplantation in rats: A surgical guide

AIM: To investigate our learning curves of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in rats and the most important factor for successful surgery.

METHODS: We describe the surgical procedures for our rat OLT model, and determined the operator learning curves. The various factors that contributed to successful surgery were determined. The most important surgical factors were evaluated between successful and unsuccessful surgeries.

RESULTS: Learning curve data indicated that 50 cases were required for operator training to start a study. Operative time, blood loss, warm ischemic time, anhepatic phase, unstable systemic hemodynamic state, and body temperature after surgery significantly affected surgery success by univariate analysis, while the anhepatic phase was the most critical factor for success by multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION: OLT in rats is the only liver transplantation model that provides clinically relevant and reliable results. Shortened anhepatic phase is key to success in this model.

Agonist-induced restoration of hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive improvement in a model of cholinergic denervation

Loss of basal forebrain cholinergic innervation of the hippocampus and severe neuronal loss within the hippocampal CA1 region are early hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease, and are strongly correlated with cognitive status. Various therapeutic approaches involve attempts to enhance neurotransmission or to provide some level of neuroprotection for remaining cells. An alternative approach may involve the generation of new cells to replace those lost in AD. Indeed, a simple shift in the balance between cell generation and cell loss may slow disease progression and possibly even reverse existing cognitive deficits. One potential neurogenic regulator might be acetylcholine, itself, which has been shown to play a critical role in hippocampal development. Here, we report the effects of various cholinergic compounds on indices of hippocampal neurogenesis, demonstrating a significant induction following pharmacological activation of muscarinic M1 receptors, located on hippocampal progenitors in the adult brain. This is the first report that a small-molecule agonist may induce neurogenesis in the hippocampal CA1 region. Furthermore, such treatment reversed deficits in markers of neurogenesis and spatial working memory triggered by cholinergic denervation in a rodent model. This study suggests the use of small molecule, receptor agonists may represent a novel means to trigger the restoration of specific neuronal populations lost to a variety of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Altered expression of zonula occludens-2 precedes increased blood-brain barrier permeability in a murine model of fulminant hepatic failure

Brain edema secondary to increased blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability is a lethal complication in fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). Intact tight junctions (TJ) between brain capillary endothelial cells are critical for normal BBB function. However, the role of TJ in FHF has not been explored. We hypothesized that alterations in the composition of TJ proteins would result in increased BBB permeability in FHF. In this study, FHF was induced in C57BL/6J mice by using azoxymethane. BBB permeability was assessed with sodium fluorescein. Expression of TJ proteins was determined by Western blot, and their cellular distribution was examined using immunofluorescent microscopy. Comatose FHF mice had significant cerebral sodium fluorescein extravasation compared with control and precoma FHF mice, indicating increased BBB permeability. Western blot analysis showed a significant decrease in zonula occludens (ZO)-2 expression starting in the precoma stage. Immunofluorescent microscopy showed a significantly altered distribution pattern of ZO-2 in isolated microvessels from precoma FHF mice. These changes were more prominent in comatose FHF animals. Significant alterations in ZO-2 expression and distribution in the tight junctions preceded the increased BBB permeability in FHF mice. These results suggest that ZO-2 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of brain edema in FHF.

An update on the amyloid hypothesis

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease. To rationally develop novel therapeutic and/or preventative agents for AD, an understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of this complex disease is necessary. This article examines the evidence for the amyloid hypothesis of AD pathogenesis and discusses how it relates to the neurological and neuropathological features of AD, the known genetic risk factors and causative mutations, and the heightened risk associated with advanced age.

The secreted beta-amyloid precursor protein ectodomain APPs alpha is sufficient to rescue the anatomical, behavioral, and electrophysiological abnormalities of APP-deficient mice

It is well established that the proteolytic processing of the beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) generates beta-amyloid (Abeta), which plays a central role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In contrast, the physiological role of APP and of its numerous proteolytic fragments and the question of whether a loss of these functions contributes to AD are still unknown. To address this question, we replaced the endogenous APP locus by gene-targeted alleles and generated two lines of knock-in mice that exclusively express APP deletion variants corresponding either to the secreted APP ectodomain (APPs alpha) or to a C-terminal (CT) truncation lacking the YENPTY interaction motif (APPdeltaCT15). Interestingly, the deltaCT15 deletion resulted in reduced turnover of holoAPP, increased cell surface expression, and strongly reduced Abeta levels in brain, likely because of reduced processing in the endocytic pathway. Most importantly, we demonstrate that in both APP knock-in lines the expression of APP N-terminal domains either grossly attenuated or completely rescued the prominent deficits of APP knock-out mice, such as reductions in brain and body weight, grip strength deficits, alterations in circadian locomotor activity, exploratory activity, and the impairment in spatial learning and long-term potentiation. Together, our data suggest that the APP C terminus is dispensable and that APPs alpha is sufficient to mediate the physiological functions of APP assessed by these tests.

Endothelin-converting enzyme 1 degrades neuropeptides in endosomes to control receptor recycling

Neuropeptide signaling requires the presence of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) at the cell surface. Activated GPCRs interact with beta-arrestins, which mediate receptor desensitization, endocytosis, and mitogenic signaling, and the peptide-receptor-arrestin complex is sequestered into endosomes. Although dissociation of beta-arrestins is required for receptor recycling and resensitization, the critical event that initiates this process is unknown. Here we report that the agonist availability in the endosomes, controlled by the membrane metalloendopeptidase endothelin-converting enzyme 1 (ECE-1), determines stability of the peptide-receptor-arrestin complex and regulates receptor recycling and resensitization. Substance P (SP) binding to the tachykinin neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) induced membrane translocation of beta-arrestins followed by trafficking of the SP-NK1R-beta-arrestin complex to early endosomes containing ECE-1a-d. ECE-1 degraded SP in acidified endosomes, disrupting the complex; beta-arrestins returned to the cytosol, and the NK1R, freed from beta-arrestins, recycled and resensitized. An ECE-1 inhibitor, by preventing NK1R recycling in endothelial cells, inhibited resensitization of SP-induced inflammation. This mechanism is a general one because ECE-1 similarly regulated NK3R resensitization. Thus, peptide availability in endosomes, here regulated by ECE-1, determines the stability of the peptide-receptor-arrestin complex. This mechanism regulates receptor recycling, which is necessary for sustained signaling, and it may also control beta-arrestin-dependent mitogenic signaling of endocytosed receptors. We propose that other endosomal enzymes and transporters may similarly control the availability of transmitters in endosomes to regulate trafficking and signaling of GPCRs. Antagonism of these endosomal processes represents a strategy for inhibiting sustained signaling of receptors, and defects may explain the tachyphylaxis of drugs that are receptor agonists.

Cellular prion protein regulates beta-secretase cleavage of the Alzheimer's amyloid precursor protein

Proteolytic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by beta-secretase, beta-site APP cleaving enzyme (BACE1), is the initial step in the production of the amyloid beta (Abeta) peptide, which is involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. The normal cellular function of the prion protein (PrP(C)), the causative agent of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans, remains enigmatic. Because both APP and PrP(C) are subject to proteolytic processing by the same zinc metalloproteases, we tested the involvement of PrP(C) in the proteolytic processing of APP. Cellular overexpression of PrP(C) inhibited the beta-secretase cleavage of APP and reduced Abeta formation. Conversely, depletion of PrP(C) in mouse N2a cells by siRNA led to an increase in Abeta peptides secreted into the medium. In the brains of PrP knockout mice and in the brains from two strains of scrapie-infected mice, Abeta levels were significantly increased. Two mutants of PrP, PG14 and A116V, that are associated with familial human prion diseases failed to inhibit the beta-secretase cleavage of APP. Using constructs of PrP, we show that this regulatory effect of PrP(C) on the beta-secretase cleavage of APP required the localization of PrP(C) to cholesterol-rich lipid rafts and was mediated by the N-terminal polybasic region of PrP(C) via interaction with glycosaminoglycans. In conclusion, this is a mechanism by which the cellular production of the neurotoxic Abeta is regulated by PrP(C) and may have implications for both Alzheimer's and prion diseases.

Single‐dose intracerebroventricular administration of galactocerebrosidase improves survival in a mouse model of globoid cell leukodystrophy

Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD), also known as Krabbe disease, is a devastating, degenerative neurological disorder. It is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait caused by loss-of-function mutations in the galactocerebrosidase (GALC) gene. Previously, we have shown that peripheral injection of recombinant GALC, administered every other day, results in a substantial improvement in early clinical phenotype in the twitcher mouse model of GLD. While we did detect active enzyme in the brain following peripheral administration, most of the administered enzyme was localized to the periphery. Given the substantial central nervous system (CNS) involvement in this disease, we were interested in determining whether or not a single-dose administration of the recombinant enzyme directly to the CNS, which could potentially be achieved clinically, would result in any substantial improvement. Following intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of GALC we noted a significant, 16.5%, reduction in the GALC substrate psychosine, the abnormal accumulation of which is believed to play a pivotal role in the CNS pathology observed in this disease. Moreover, recombinant GALC was found not only in periventricular regions but also at sites distant to the injection such as the cerebral cortex and cerebellum. Most importantly, animals receiving a single i.c.v. dose of the enzyme at postnatal day 20 survived up to 51 days, which compares favorably to the control twitcher animals, which normally only live to postnatal day 40/42. These results indicate that even a single i.c.v. administration of the recombinant enzyme can have significant clinical impact and suggests that other lysosomal storage disorders with significant CNS involvement may similarly benefit.

The high-affinity HSP90-CHIP complex recognizes and selectively degrades phosphorylated tau client proteins

A primary pathologic component of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the formation of neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau). Expediting the removal of these p-tau species may be a relevant therapeutic strategy. Here we report that inhibition of Hsp90 led to decreases in p-tau levels independent of heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) activation. A critical mediator of this mechanism was carboxy terminus of Hsp70-interacting protein (CHIP), a tau ubiquitin ligase. Cochaperones were also involved in Hsp90-mediated removal of p-tau, while those of the mature Hsp90 refolding complex prevented this effect. This is the first demonstration to our knowledge that blockade of the refolding pathway promotes p-tau turnover through degradation. We also show that peripheral administration of a novel Hsp90 inhibitor promoted selective decreases in p-tau species in a mouse model of tauopathy, further suggesting a central role for the Hsp90 complex in the pathogenesis of tauopathies. When taken in the context of known high-affinity Hsp90 complexes in affected regions of the AD brain, these data implicate a central role for Hsp90 in the development of AD and other tauopathies and may provide a rationale for the development of novel Hsp90-based therapeutic strategies.

Regulation of Steady-state β-Amyloid Levels in the Brain by Neprilysin and Endothelin-converting Enzyme but Not Angiotensin-converting Enzyme

The deposition of beta-amyloid in the brain is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer disease (AD). Normally, the accumulation of beta-amyloid is prevented in part by the activities of several degradative enzymes, including the endothelin-converting enzymes, neprilysin, insulin-degrading enzyme, and plasmin. Recent reports indicate that another metalloprotease, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), can degrade beta-amyloid in vitro and in cellular overexpression experiments. In addition, ACE gene variants are linked to AD risk in several populations. Angiotensin-converting enzyme, neprilysin and endothelin-converting enzyme function as vasopeptidases and are the targets of drugs designed to treat cardiovascular disorders, and ACE inhibitors are commonly prescribed. We investigated the potential physiological role of ACE in regulating endogenous brain beta-amyloid levels for two reasons: first, to determine whether beta-amyloid degradation might be the mechanism by which ACE is associated with AD, and second, to determine whether ACE inhibitor drugs might block beta-amyloid degradation in the brain and potentially increase the risk for AD. We analyzed beta-amyloid accumulation in brains from ACE-deficient mice and in mice treated with ACE inhibitors and found that ACE deficiency did not alter steady-state beta-amyloid concentration. In contrast, beta-amyloid levels are significantly elevated in endothelin-converting enzyme and neprilysin knock-out mice, and inhibitors of these enzymes cause a rapid increase in beta-amyloid concentration in the brain. The results of these studies do not support a physiological role for ACE in the degradation of beta-amyloid in the brain but confirm roles for endothelin-converting enzyme and neprilysin and indicate that reductions in these enzymes result in additive increases in brain amyloid beta-peptide levels.

Cerebrospinal fluid drainage and cranial decompression prolong survival in rats with fulminant hepatic failure

Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is a devastating disease. Liver transplantation is the definitive treatment. However, a third of these patients die due to brain edema before a donor becomes available. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage and decompressive craniectomy have been used to treat brain edema in brain trauma and hemispheric stroke. However, their role in brain edema associated with FHF has not been examined. In this study we evaluated the potential effects of CSF drainage and decompressive craniectomy on survival in FHF using an experimental model in rats. In CSF drainage experiments all animals had ventriculostomy placed. Five days later FHF was induced with d-galactosamine. Those FHF rats that progressed into comatose stages either received CSF aspiration or did not. In separate experiments the study rats had either a decompressive craniectomy or a sham procedure. FHF was induced 5 days later. We found that both CSF drainage and decompressive craniectomy significantly increased survival of FHF rats compared with the controls: 53.2 +/- 1.1 vs. 48.7 +/- 1.5 h (P = 0.031), and 69.4 +/- 3.9 vs. 53.7 +/- 3.2 h (P = 0.009), respectively. In conclusion, these findings suggest that CSF drainage and decompressive craniectomy may increase the window of opportunity for liver transplantation.

Pharmacologic reductions of total tau levels; implications for the role of microtubule dynamics in regulating tau expression

The microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) is a pathological component of several neurodegenerative diseases and clinical dementias. Here, we have investigated the effects of a series of commercially available FDA-approved compounds and natural products on total tau protein levels using a cell-based approach that allows for the rapid and efficient measurement of changes in protein expression.

Dopamine D3 receptor agonist delivery to a model of Parkinson's disease restores the nigrostriatal pathway and improves locomotor behavior

The presence of endogenous stem cell populations in the adult mammalian CNS suggests an innate potential for regeneration and represents a potential resource for neuroregenerative therapy aimed at the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease. However, it is first necessary to examine the microenvironmental signals required to activate these innate reparative mechanisms. The small molecule neurotransmitter dopamine has been shown to regulate cell cycle in developing and adult brain, and the D3 receptor is known to play an important role in dopaminergic development. Pharmacological activation of the dopamine D3 receptor has been shown to trigger neurogenesis in the substantia nigra of the adult rat brain. Here, we examined the cell proliferative, neurogenic, and behavioral effects of the dopamine D3 receptor agonist 7-OH-DPAT (7-hydroxy-N,N-di-n-propyl-2-aminotetralin) in a 6-hydroxydopamine model of Parkinson's disease. Consistent with previous findings, we observed a significant induction of cell proliferation in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SN(C)) with a time-dependent adoption of a neuronal dopaminergic phenotype in many of these cells. Indices of nigrostriatal integrity were also affected. Dopaminergic cell counts in the lesioned SN(C) recovered substantially in a time-dependent manner. Similarly, retrograde tracing revealed a restoration of striatal innervation from these cells, with evidence for projections arising from newly generated cells. Finally, we observed a substantial and persistent recovery of locomotor function in these animals. The results of these studies will further our understanding of the environmental signals regulating neurogenesis in the adult brain and could have significant implications for the design of novel treatment strategies for Parkinson's disease.

Suppression of galactosylceramidase (GALC) expression in the twitcher mouse model of globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) is caused by nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD)

The twitcher mouse is a pathologically and enzymatically authentic model of globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD, Krabbe disease) that has been widely used for the evaluation of potential therapeutic approaches. This naturally occurring mouse model contains a premature stop codon (W339X) in the galactosylceramidase (GALC) gene that abolishes enzymatic activity. Using either immunocytochemical approaches or Western blot methodology, we have been unable to detect the truncated form of GALC expected to be produced in these animals. Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is a cellular protection mechanism that degrades newly synthesized transcripts containing a premature termination codon (PTC). Since the naturally occurring mutation in the twitcher mouse introduces a PTC, we hypothesized that NMD might affect the degradation of GALC mRNA in these animals. Consistent with this hypothesis, we determined that the amount of GALC transcript was inversely proportional to the number of twitcher containing alleles. Similar reductions in GALC mRNA were detected in a twitcher-derived Schwann cell line (TwS1) when compared to wild-type Schwann cells (IMS32). Anisomycin, emetine and puromycin, inhibitors of NMD, effectively increased the level of GALC transcript in the TwS1 cells providing further support for nonsense-mediated mRNA decay being the mechanism by which no GALC protein is detected in these animals. Understanding the mechanistic differences between the lack of enzymatic activity in the twitcher model and that observed with the missense mutations that cause human disease yields not only novel therapeutic insights but also highlights the need for additional animal models.

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 contributes to brain extravasation and edema in fulminant hepatic failure mice

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) can be dreadful. When coma sets in, brain edema develops taking FHF into a lethal course. Mechanisms of brain extravasation leading to brain edema remain incompletely understood. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 is implicated in various brain injuries. We hypothesized that MMP-9 contributes to brain edema in FHF.

METHODS

MMP-9 and its proform were assayed using SDS-PAGE and in situ gelatin zymographies. Brain extravasation was assessed with Evans blue. Brain water was determined by specific gravity and astrocytic endfoot swelling by electron microscopy. FHF in mice was induced by azoxymethane. MMP inhibitor GM6001 and MMP-9 monoclonal antibody were used.

RESULTS

Active MMP-9 was significantly increased at the onset of coma and brain extravasation in FHF mice. Blocking MMP-9 with either GM6001 or MMP-9 monoclonal antibody significantly attenuated brain extravasation, astrocytic endfoot swelling, and brain edema. Brains of FHF mice did not show MMP-9 activity. In contrast, livers of these animals showed marked up-regulation of MMP-9 activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that MMP-9 contributes to the pathogenesis of brain extravasation and edema in FHF. The necrotic liver is the source of MMP-9 in FHF. Inhibition of MMP-9 may protect against the development of brain edema in FHF.

Abeta-degrading enzymes: modulators of Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and targets for therapeutic intervention

The accumulation of Abeta (amyloid beta-protein) peptides in the brain is a pathological hallmark of all forms of AD (Alzheimer's disease) and reducing Abeta levels can prevent or reverse cognitive deficits in mouse models of the disease. Abeta is produced continuously and its concentration is determined in part by the activities of several degradative enzymes, including NEP (neprilysin), IDE (insulin-degrading enzyme), ECE-1 (endothelin-converting enzyme 1) and ECE-2, and probably plasmin. Decreased activity of any of these enzymes due to genetic mutation, or age- or disease-related alterations in gene expression or proteolytic activity, may increase the risk for AD. Conversely, increased expression of these enzymes may confer a protective effect. Increasing Abeta degradation through gene therapy, transcriptional activation or even pharmacological activation of the Abeta-degrading enzymes represents a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of AD that is currently being evaluated in cell-culture and animal models. In this paper, we will review the roles of NEP, IDE, ECE and plasmin in determining endogenous Abeta concentration, highlighting recent results concerning the regulation of these enzymes and their potential as therapeutic targets.

Reductions in levels of the Alzheimer's amyloid beta peptide after oral administration of ginsenosides

For millennia, ginseng and some of its components have been used to treat a wide variety of medical conditions, including age-related memory impairment. Because of its purported effects and apparently low rate of side effects, ginseng remains one of the top selling natural product remedies in the United States. Given its potential role for improving age-related memory impairments and its common use in China for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease-like symptoms, we analyzed the effects of commercially available preparations of ginseng on the accumulation of the Alzheimer's amyloid beta peptide (Abeta) in a cell-based model system. In this model system, ginseng treatment resulted in a significant reduction in the levels of Abeta in the conditioned medium. We next examined the effects of several compounds isolated from ginseng and found that certain ginsenosides lowered Abeta concentration in a dose-dependent manner with ginsenoside Rg3 having an approximate IC50 of under 25 microM against Abeta42. Furthermore, we found that three of these isolated components, ginsenoside Rg1, Rg3, and RE, resulted in significant reductions in the amount of Abeta detected in the brains of animals after single oral doses of these agents. The results indicate that ginseng itself, or purified ginsenosides, may have similarly useful effects in human disease.

Development of a high throughput drug screening assay for the detection of changes in tau levels -- proof of concept with HSP90 inhibitors

Therapeutic development for Alzheimer's disease has largely focused on the removal of beta amyloid because of its suggested role in the primary agent in initiating the disease process. However, with the recent discovery of mutations that result as pathologic buildup of tau in the absence of amyloid pathology, tau is beginning to be recognized as a potential target for drug discovery. We have developed a high-throughput drug screening method that allows for direct intracellular quantitation of tau protein species, enabling the fast, reliable detection of these changes. We have identified a family of small, blood brain barrier penetrant heat shock protein 90 inhibitors that significantly reduce tau protein levels in vitro. Western blot analysis demonstrated a clear inverse correlation between the tau levels and the increase in HSP27, HSP40 and HSP90. Modifications to this assay will further allow the specific analysis of pathologically relevant species. Using this assay, we have demonstrated that a class of HSP90 inhibitors is able to significantly lower intracellular tau levels most likely through induction of a heat shock response.

Essential roles for the FE65 amyloid precursor protein-interacting proteins in brain development

Targeted deletion of two members of the FE65 family of adaptor proteins, FE65 and FE65L1, results in cortical dysplasia. Heterotopias resembling those found in cobblestone lissencephalies in which neuroepithelial cells migrate into superficial layers of the developing cortex, aberrant cortical projections and loss of infrapyramidal mossy fibers arise in FE65/FE65L1 compound null animals, but not in single gene knockouts. The disruption of pial basal membranes underlying the heterotopias and poor organization of fibrillar laminin by isolated meningeal fibroblasts from double knockouts suggests that FE65 proteins are involved in basement membrane assembly. A similar phenotype is observed in triple mutant mice lacking the APP family members APP, APLP1 and APLP2, all of which interact with FE65 proteins, suggesting that this phenotype may be caused by decreased transmission of an APP-dependent signal through the FE65 proteins. The defects observed in the double knockout may also involve the family of Ena/Vasp proteins, which participate in actin cytoskeleton remodeling and interact with the WW domains of FE65 proteins.

Abeta42 is essential for parenchymal and vascular amyloid deposition in mice

Considerable circumstantial evidence suggests that Abeta42 is the initiating molecule in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. However, the absolute requirement for Abeta42 for amyloid deposition has never been demonstrated in vivo. We have addressed this by developing transgenic models that express Abeta1-40 or Abeta1-42 in the absence of human amyloid beta protein precursor (APP) overexpression. Mice expressing high levels of Abeta1-40 do not develop overt amyloid pathology. In contrast, mice expressing lower levels of Abeta1-42 accumulate insoluble Abeta1-42 and develop compact amyloid plaques, congophilic amyloid angiopathy (CAA), and diffuse Abeta deposits. When mice expressing Abeta1-42 are crossed with mutant APP (Tg2576) mice, there is also a massive increase in amyloid deposition. These data establish that Abeta1-42 is essential for amyloid deposition in the parenchyma and also in vessels.

Enzyme replacement therapy results in substantial improvements in early clinical phenotype in a mouse model of globoid cell leukodystrophy

Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) or Krabbe disease is a devastating, degenerative neurological disorder caused by mutations in the galactosylceramidase (GALC) gene that severely affect enzyme activity. Currently, treatment options for this disorder are very limited. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) has been shown to be effective in lysosomal storage disorders with predominantly peripheral manifestations such as type I Gaucher's and Fabry's disease. Little however is known about the possible benefit of ERT in GLD, which has a substantial central nervous system component. In this study, we examined the effect of peripheral GALC injections in the twitcher mouse model of the disease. Although we were unable to block the precipitous decline that normally occurs just before death, we did observe significant early improvements in motor performance, a substantial attenuation in the initial failure to thrive, and an increase in life span. Immunohistochemical and activity analyses demonstrated GALC uptake in multiple tissues, including the brain. This was associated with a decrease in the abnormal accumulation of the GALC substrate psychosine, which is thought to play a pivotal role in disease pathology. These results indicate that peripheral ERT is likely to be beneficial in GLD.

The ACAT inhibitor CP-113,818 markedly reduces amyloid pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) accumulation in specific brain regions is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We have previously reported that a well-characterized acyl-coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitor, CP-113,818, inhibits Abeta production in cell-based experiments. Here, we assessed the efficacy of CP-113,818 in reducing AD-like pathology in the brains of transgenic mice expressing human APP(751) containing the London (V717I) and Swedish (K670M/N671L) mutations. Two months of treatment with CP-113,818 reduced the accumulation of amyloid plaques by 88%-99% and membrane/insoluble Abeta levels by 83%-96%, while also decreasing brain cholesteryl-esters by 86%. Additionally, soluble Abeta(42) was reduced by 34% in brain homogenates. Spatial learning was slightly improved and correlated with decreased Abeta levels. In nontransgenic littermates, CP-113,818 also reduced ectodomain shedding of endogenous APP in the brain. Our results suggest that ACAT inhibition may be effective in the prevention and treatment of AD by inhibiting generation of the Abeta peptide.

Behavioral and neurobiological markers of Alzheimer's disease in Ts65Dn mice: effects of estrogen

Individuals with Down's syndrome (DS) develop neuropathological features similar to Alzheimer's disease (AD) early in life, including dementia, accumulation of beta-amyloid, and irregular phosphorylation of tau proteins. Ts65Dn mice, an animal model of DS, provide a unique method to investigate the mechanisms related to AD-like symptoms in DS and possible therapeutic interventions. Ts65Dn mice undergo a decline in cholinergic phenotype and cognitive deterioration beginning at 6-8 months of age. In middle-aged female Ts65Dn mice, estrogen supplementation alleviated these cholinergic and cognitive impairments. The current study investigated AD-like markers and the effects of estrogen in male Ts65Dn mice. Estrogen treatment prior to behavioral testing did not improve cognitive deficits in 6-month-old male Ts65Dn mice, but decreased total and phosphorylated (pS199) tau in the entorhinal cortex compared to normosomic animals. Hippocampal beta-amyloid(1-42) levels were increased in Ts65Dn animals, regardless of estrogen treatment. These findings further support Ts65Dn mice as a model for specific AD-like symptoms, and demonstrate that estrogen treatment of this type does not improve the cognitive ability of male Ts65Dn mice.

Estrogen regulates neprilysin activity in rat brain

Neprilysin is a zinc metalloendopeptidase that regulates the activity of a number of physiological peptides through hydrolytic inactivation. Most recently, evidence has accumulated that neprilysin is involved in the clearance of amyloid beta peptides in the brain. Previous studies have shown that the neprilysin gene responds to progesterone, androgen, and glucocorticoids. We now show that estrogen regulates neprilysin activity in rat brain. Ovariectomy leads to a 30% decrease in neprilysin activity at 45 or 85 days, but not 21 days, post surgery. Estrogen replacement restores neprilysin levels back to control values. These changes in neprilysin activity suggest that in women estrogen is required to maintain basal levels of neprilysin.

Differential expression of cholesterol hydroxylases in Alzheimer's disease

Cholesterol is eliminated from neurons by oxidization, which generates oxysterols. Cholesterol oxidation is mediated by the enzymes cholesterol 24-hydroxylase (CYP46A1) and cholesterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1). Immunocytochemical studies show that CYP46A1 and CYP27A1 are expressed in neurons and some astrocytes in the normal brain, and CYP27A1 is present in oligodendrocytes. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), CYP46A1 shows prominent expression in astrocytes and around amyloid plaques, whereas CYP27A1 expression decreases in neurons and is not apparent around amyloid plaques but increases in oligodendrocytes. Although previous studies have examined the effects of synthetic oxysterols on the processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP), the actions of the naturally occurring oxysterols have yet to be examined. To understand the role of cholesterol oxidation in AD, we compared the effects of 24(S)- and 27-hydroxycholesterol on the processing of APP and analyzed the cell-specific expression patterns of the two cholesterol hydroxylases in the human brain. Both oxysterols inhibited production of Abeta in neurons, but 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol was approximately 1000-fold more potent than 27-hydroxycholesterol. The IC(50) of 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol for inhibiting Abeta secretion was approximately 1 nm. Both oxysterols induced ABCA1 expression with IC(50) values similar to that for inhibition of A beta secretion, suggesting the involvement of liver X receptor. Oxysterols also inhibited protein kinase C activity and APP secretion following stimulation of protein kinase C. The selective expression of CYP46A1 around neuritic plaques and the potent inhibition of APP processing in neurons by 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol suggests that CYP46A1 affects the pathophysiology of AD and provides insight into how polymorphisms in the CYP46A1 gene might influence the pathophysiology of this prevalent disease.

Partial loss-of-function mutations in insulin-degrading enzyme that induce diabetes also impair degradation of amyloid beta-protein

The causes of cerebral accumulation of amyloid beta-protein (Abeta) in most cases of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain unknown. We recently found that homozygous deletion of the insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) gene in mice results in an early and marked elevation of cerebral Abeta. Both genetic linkage and allelic association in the IDE region of chromosome 10 have been reported in families with late-onset AD. For IDE to remain a valid candidate gene for late-onset AD on functional grounds, it must be shown that partial loss of function of IDE can still alter Abeta degradation, but without causing early, severe elevation of brain Abeta. Here, we show that naturally occurring IDE missense mutations in a well-characterized rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) result in decreased catalytic efficiency and a significant approximately 15 to 30% deficit in the degradation of both insulin and Abeta. Endogenously secreted Abeta(40) and Abeta(42) are significantly elevated in primary neuronal cultures from animals with the IDE mutations, but there is no increase in steady-state levels of rodent Abeta in the brain up to age 14 months. We conclude that naturally occurring, partial loss-of-function mutations in IDE sufficient to cause DM2 also impair neuronal regulation of Abeta levels, but the brain can apparently compensate for the partial deficit during the life span of the rat. Our findings have relevance for the emerging genetic evidence suggesting that IDE may be a late-onset AD-risk gene, and for the epidemiological relationships among hyperinsulinemia, DM2, and AD.

Generation of the beta-amyloid peptide and the amyloid precursor protein C-terminal fragment gamma are potentiated by FE65L1

Members of the FE65 family of adaptor proteins, FE65, FE65L1, and FE65L2, bind the C-terminal region of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Overexpression of FE65 and FE65L1 was previously reported to increase the levels of alpha-secretase-derived APP (APPs alpha). Increased beta-amyloid (A beta) generation was also observed in cells showing the FE65-dependent increase in APPs alpha. To understand the mechanism for the observed increase in both A beta and APPs alpha given that alpha-secretase cleavage of a single APP molecule precludes A beta generation, we examined the effects of FE65L1 overexpression on APP C-terminal fragments (APP CTFs). Our data show that FE65L1 potentiates gamma-secretase processing of APP CTFs, including the amyloidogenic CTF C99, accounting for the ability of FE65L1 to increase generation of APP C-terminal domain and A beta 40. The FE65L1 modulation of these processing events requires binding of FE65L1 to APP and APP CTFs and is not because of a direct effect on gamma-secretase activity, because Notch intracellular domain generation is not altered by FE65L1. Furthermore, enhanced APP CTF processing can be detected in early endosome vesicles but not in endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi membranes, suggesting that the effects of FE65L1 occur at or near the plasma membrane. Finally, although FE65L1 increases APP C-terminal domain production, it does not mediate the APP-dependent transcriptional activation observed with FE65.

Testosterone, but not nonaromatizable dihydrotestosterone, improves working memory and alters nerve growth factor levels in aged male rats

Recent studies have suggested that testosterone levels are lower in men with Alzheimer's disease and that testosterone treatment improves cognition in older men. Since testosterone can be aromatized to estrogen, testosterone's effects could be due to conversion into estrogen. We treated aged male rats with either testosterone or dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the latter of which is not aromatized to estrogen, in order to determine whether these treatments improve spatial working and reference memory as assessed in the water radial arm maze. We also tested whether such effects are related to beta-amyloid levels in the hippocampus or neurotrophin levels in the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, frontal cortex, or striatum. Aged rats made more errors than young rats on all memory measures. Testosterone, but not DHT, improved working memory and decreased hippocampal NGF protein in aged rats, while having no effect on beta-amyloid. However, higher beta-amyloid levels were correlated with poorer working memory performance in young rats. Neurotrophin levels in entorhinal cortex were positively correlated with errors for all memory measures in androgen-treated rats. Similar to findings in human studies, in our study androgen treatment lowered circulating estradiol levels in aged rats, suggesting that androgen treatment exerts feedback to the hypothalamic pituitary axis and that conversion to estrogen may not be the underlying biological mechanism of testosterone's effects on memory and growth factor levels. The ratio of estradiol to testosterone, or the actions of the aromatase enzyme itself, may be responsible for the observed effects. These data support the hypothesis that testosterone therapy in aging men may provide positive effects on cognition and that neural regions that are linked to cognition, such as the hippocampus and/or entorhinal cortex, may be involved in such effects.

Amyloid-beta peptide levels in brain are inversely correlated with insulysin activity levels in vivo

Factors that elevate amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide levels are associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease. Insulysin has been identified as one of several proteases potentially involved in Abeta degradation based on its hydrolysis of Abeta peptides in vitro. In this study, in vivo levels of brain Abeta40 and Abeta42 peptides were found to be increased significantly (1.6- and 1.4-fold, respectively) in an insulysin-deficient gene-trap mouse model. A 6-fold increase in the level of the gamma-secretase-generated C-terminal fragment of the Abeta precursor protein in the insulysin-deficient mouse also was found. In mice heterozygous for the insulysin gene trap, in which insulysin activity levels were decreased approximately 50%, brain Abeta peptides were increased to levels intermediate between those in wild-type mice and homozygous insulysin gene-trap mice that had no detectable insulysin activity. These findings indicate that there is an inverse correlation between in vivo insulysin activity levels and brain Abeta peptide levels and suggest that modulation of insulysin activity may alter the risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Insulin-degrading enzyme regulates the levels of insulin, amyloid beta-protein, and the beta-amyloid precursor protein intracellular domain in vivo

Two substrates of insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE), amyloid beta-protein (Abeta) and insulin, are critically important in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), respectively. We previously identified IDE as a principal regulator of Abeta levels in neuronal and microglial cells. A small chromosomal region containing a mutant IDE allele has been associated with hyperinsulinemia and glucose intolerance in a rat model of DM2. Human genetic studies have implicated the IDE region of chromosome 10 in both AD and DM2. To establish whether IDE hypofunction decreases Abeta and insulin degradation in vivo and chronically increases their levels, we characterized mice with homozygous deletions of the IDE gene (IDE --). IDE deficiency resulted in a >50% decrease in Abeta degradation in both brain membrane fractions and primary neuronal cultures and a similar deficit in insulin degradation in liver. The IDE -- mice showed increased cerebral accumulation of endogenous Abeta, a hallmark of AD, and had hyperinsulinemia and glucose intolerance, hallmarks of DM2. Moreover, the mice had elevated levels of the intracellular signaling domain of the beta-amyloid precursor protein, which was recently found to be degraded by IDE in vitro. Together with emerging genetic evidence, our in vivo findings suggest that IDE hypofunction may underlie or contribute to some forms of AD and DM2 and provide a mechanism for the recently recognized association among hyperinsulinemia, diabetes, and AD.

Physiologic and pathologic events mediated by intramembranous and juxtamembranous proteolysis

Intramembranous proteolysis (IP) is a recently recognized mechanism for transmembrane signal transduction that involves proteolysis of transmembrane proteins within their membrane-spanning domains. Juxtamembranous proteolysis (JP) is similar, but proteolytic cleavage of a transmembrane protein occurs at a site close to, but not within, the transmembrane domain of the target protein. In both IP and JP, a soluble domain of a transmembrane protein is released from its membrane tether. This domain can then transmit a signal either locally or at some distance from the site of cleavage. In certain signaling pathways, JP and IP are linked. JP on one side of the membrane results in secondary IP, which then releases a signaling domain from the membrane. Whereas well-characterized proteases such as caspases, the proteasome, and metalloprotease disintegrins, have been implicated in JP, three families of multipass membrane proteases (MpMPs) have now been shown to carry out IP. Recent studies of events mediated by IP and JP indicate that they regulate key cellular signaling events including pathways involved in sterol regulation, cell fate selection, and growth regulation. Moreover, IP and JP have important roles in certain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Because some of the proteases mediating IP and JP can be selectivity inhibited, inhibitors targeting these proteases are likely to alter both physiologic and pathologic events triggered by IP and JP.

Alzheimer's disease beta-amyloid peptide is increased in mice deficient in endothelin-converting enzyme

The abnormal accumulation of beta-amyloid (Abeta) in the brain is an early and invariant feature in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is believed to play a pivotal role in the etiology and pathogenesis of the disease. As such, a major focus of AD research has been the elucidation of the mechanisms responsible for the generation of Abeta. As with any peptide, however, the degree of Abeta accumulation is dependent not only on its production but also on its removal. In cell-based and in vitro models we have previously characterized endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1) as an Abeta-degrading enzyme that appears to act intracellularly, thus limiting the amount of Abeta available for secretion. To determine the physiological significance of this activity, we analyzed Abeta levels in the brains of mice deficient for ECE-1 and a closely related enzyme, ECE-2. Significant increases in the levels of both Abeta40 and Abeta42 were found in the brains of these animals when compared with age-matched littermate controls. The increase in Abeta levels in the ECE-deficient mice provides the first direct evidence for a physiological role for both ECE-1 and ECE-2 in limiting Abeta accumulation in the brain and also provides further insight into the factors involved in Abeta clearance in vivo.

Natural product extracts that reduce accumulation of the Alzheimer's amyloid beta peptide: selective reduction in A beta42

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in the elderly. Without a treatment that significantly delays the progression of the disease over 14 million Americans are likely to be affected with AD by the middle of the 21st Century, presenting an enormous economic and social burden. Evidence gathered over the last two decades has implicated the abnormal accumulation of A beta, in particular the longer more amyloidogenic form A beta42, as a potential causative agent in the disease. To screen for compounds that reduce A beta accumulation we have established several high throughput, cell based screens capable of the sensitive and selective detection of A beta40 and A beta42. Using these screens we have analyzed a proprietary library of natural product extracts for their ability to influence A beta accumulation. Using this approach, we have identified several agents capable of influencing total A beta concentration. In addition, we have identified one extract that selectively reduces A beta42. Intracerebroventricular administration of this agent to mice results in a selective reduction in A beta42 in the brain.

beta-Secretase cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein mediates neuronal apoptosis caused by familial Alzheimer's disease mutations

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is cleaved by two enzymes, beta-secretase and gamma-secretase, to generate the pathological amyloid beta (Abeta) peptide. Expression of familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) mutants of APP in primary neurons causes both intracellular accumulation of the C-terminal beta-secretase cleavage product of APP and increased secretion of Abeta, and eventually results in apoptotic death of the cells. To determine whether either of these two processing products of APP is involved in this apoptotic pathway, we first modeled experimentally the accumulation of the beta-secretase cleavage product in neurons. The C-terminal 100 amino acids (C100) of APP, with and without a signal peptide, was expressed in cells via recombinant herpes simplex virus (HSV) vectors. Both transgene products were targeted to the membrane, and both caused apoptosis in the neurons, implicating the beta-secretase cleavage product of APP in apoptosis caused by FAD APPs. Expression in neurons of a mutant of FAD APP that inhibited beta-secretase cleavage inhibited its ability to cause apoptosis. However, expression in neurons of a mutant of FAD APP that inhibited gamma-secretase cleavage did not inhibit the ability of this mutant to cause apoptosis. These data suggested that the C-terminal beta-secretase cleavage product of APP, but not Abeta, mediates the apoptosis caused by FAD mutants of APP. Consistent with this hypothesis, C31, which is generated from the beta-secretase cleavage product, itself caused neuronal apoptosis. Inhibitors of caspases 3, 6 and 8, but not of caspase 9, inhibited the apoptosis caused by FAD mutants of APP. It may be inferred from these data that beta-secretase cleavage of FAD mutants of APP allows the appropriate caspase access to its site of action to produce C31, which directly causes neuronal apoptosis.

The 'Arctic' APP mutation (E693G) causes Alzheimer's disease by enhanced Abeta protofibril formation

Several pathogenic Alzheimer's disease (AD) mutations have been described, all of which cause increased amyloid beta-protein (Abeta) levels. Here we present studies of a pathogenic amyloid precursor protein (APP) mutation, located within the Abeta sequence at codon 693 (E693G), that causes AD in a Swedish family. Carriers of this 'Arctic' mutation showed decreased Abeta42 and Abeta40 levels in plasma. Additionally, low levels of Abeta42 were detected in conditioned media from cells transfected with APPE693G. Fibrillization studies demonstrated no difference in fibrillization rate, but Abeta with the Arctic mutation formed protofibrils at a much higher rate and in larger quantities than wild-type (wt) Abeta. The finding of increased protofibril formation and decreased Abeta plasma levels in the Arctic AD may reflect an alternative pathogenic mechanism for AD involving rapid Abeta protofibril formation leading to accelerated buildup of insoluble Abeta intra- and/or extracellularly.

High throughput screens for the identification of compounds that alter the accumulation of the Alzheimer's amyloid beta peptide (Abeta)

Evidence gathered over the last two decades suggests that beta amyloid (Abeta), the predominant proteinaceous component of senile plaques, plays an early and critical role in the etiology and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thus, it is reasonable to hypothesize that compounds capable of reducing the accumulation of Abeta may be of value therapeutically. Additionally, compounds that influence Abeta accumulation may be useful as tools to further dissect the cellular pathways that regulate Abeta production and accumulation. To screen for compounds that affect Abeta levels, we have established high throughput, cell-based assays capable of the sensitive and selective detection of Abeta40 in parallel with the more amyloidogenic form of the peptide, Abeta42. To validate the approach, we examined the effects of several compounds previously identified to influence Abeta accumulation. Analysis of peptide accumulation following treatment with these compounds showed results similar to those previously published. Currently, we are using this assay to screen drugs that have already received FDA approval for the treatment of other diseases and over-the-counter natural product extracts. If compounds such as these can be identified that lower Abeta in the brain, they may represent one of the fastest and most cost effective methods to therapy.

Degradation of the Alzheimer's amyloid beta peptide by endothelin-converting enzyme

Deposition of beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptides in the brain is an early and invariant feature of all forms of Alzheimer's disease. As with any secreted protein, the extracellular concentration of Abeta is determined not only by its production but also by its catabolism. A major focus of Alzheimer's research has been the elucidation of the mechanisms responsible for the generation of Abeta. Much less, however, is known about the mechanisms responsible for Abeta removal in the brain. In this report, we describe the identification of endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1) as a novel Abeta-degrading enzyme. We show that treatment of endogenous ECE-expressing cell lines with the metalloprotease inhibitor phosphoramidon causes a 2-3-fold elevation in extracellular Abeta concentration that appears to be due to inhibition of intracellular Abeta degradation. Furthermore, we show that overexpression of ECE-1 in Chinese hamster ovary cells, which lack endogenous ECE activity, reduces extracellular Abeta concentration by up to 90% and that this effect is completely reversed by treatment of the cells with phosphoramidon. Finally, we show that recombinant soluble ECE-1 is capable of hydrolyzing synthetic Abeta40 and Abeta42 in vitro at multiple sites.