Anti-LRP/LR specific antibodies and shRNAs impede amyloid beta shedding in Alzheimer's disease

Sci Rep. 2013:3:2699. doi: 10.1038/srep02699.

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia. The amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide is the predominant candidate aetiological agent and is generated through the sequential proteolytic cleavage of the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) by beta (β) and gamma (γ) secretases. Since the cellular prion protein (PrP(c)) has been shown to regulate Aβ shedding, we investigated whether the cellular receptor for PrP(c), namely the 37 kDa/67 kDa Laminin Receptor (LRP/LR) played a role in Aβ shedding. Here we show that LRP/LR co-localises with the AD relevant proteins APP, β- and γ-secretase, respectively. Antibody blockage and shRNA knock-down of LRP/LR reduces Aβ shedding, due to impediment of β-secretase activity, rather than alteration of APP, β- and γ-secretase levels. These findings indicate that LRP/LR contributes to Aβ shedding and recommend anti-LRP/LR specific antibodies and shRNAs as novel therapeutic tools for AD treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / genetics*
  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism*
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / metabolism
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / metabolism*
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / metabolism
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Space / metabolism
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Transport
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism
  • Receptors, Laminin / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, Laminin / genetics*
  • Receptors, Laminin / metabolism

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Receptors, Laminin
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases