Work

Steady‐state increase of cAMP‐response element binding protein, Rac, and PAK signaling in presenilin‐deficient neurons

Year: 2007

Type: article

Abstract: Mutations in the genes encoding presenilins (PS1 and PS2) account for the majority of cases of early-onset Alzheimer's disease. PS1 and PS2 form the catalytic center of gamma-secretase, an enzyme responsible for intramembraneous proteolysis of several type I transmembrane proteins. Many gamma-secretase substrates are coupled to intracellular signaling events such as cAMP-response element binding protein and Rac1/p21-activated kinase pathways, which are associated with synaptic function. Here, we have examined the activation of these pathways in neurons lacking PS1 expression or gamma-secretase activity. We found evidence for heightened steady-state activation of cAMP-response element binding protein, Rac1, and p21-activated kinase signaling in PS-deficient neurons. Our study highlights the importance of PS-dependent proteolytic cleavage of gamma-secretase substrates in regulating neuronal signal transduction.

Source: Journal of Neurochemistry

DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2007.05102.x

Authors: Natalie Y. Barnes, Jun Shi, Hiroshi Yajima, Gopal Thinakaran, Angèle T. Parent

Institutions: University of Chicago, Jichi Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Alzheimer's disease research and treatments

Subfield: Physiology (medical)

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging