Alzheimer-associated APP+1 transgenic mice: frameshift beta-amyloid precursor protein is secreted in cerebrospinal fluid without inducing neuropathology

Neurobiol Aging. 2006 Oct;27(10):1445-50. doi: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2005.09.010. Epub 2005 Oct 7.

Abstract

Biomarkers present in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of Alzheimer Disease patients could be instrumental in guiding diagnosis and monitoring of progression of the disease. We have previously reported on the secretion of a frameshifted form of amyloid-beta precursor protein, APP+1, into the CSF of Alzheimer patients and controls. APP+1 is secreted efficiently in controls, but during the progression of Alzheimer Disease, its secretion is reduced and APP+1 accumulates in tangle-bearing neurons. Here we describe the generation of a transgenic mouse line expressing APP+1 in the brain. These mice do not suffer from overt pathology or neurodegeneration, suggesting that APP+1 is not neurotoxic. To measure APP+1 levels in the CSF, we serially sampled CSF from the cisterna magna in the same mouse over a period of months. Indeed, APP+1 is secreted into the CSF of the transgenic mice, and APP+1 levels are stable over 1 year. This mouse model may guide the study of secretion deficits as found in Alzheimer Disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Alzheimer Disease / pathology*
  • Animals
  • Blood Proteins / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Blood Proteins / genetics*
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Frameshift Mutation
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Poly(A)-Binding Proteins / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Poly(A)-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Blood Proteins
  • PABPC4 protein, human
  • Poly(A)-Binding Proteins