Suppression of AIMP1 protects cognition in Alzheimer's disease model mice 3xTg-AD

Neuroreport. 2017 Jan 18;28(2):82-86. doi: 10.1097/WNR.0000000000000710.

Abstract

Neuroinflammation has been raised as a candidate of unifying pathogenesis and a target of a disease-modifying strategy for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase complex (ARS)-interacting multifunctional protein 1 (AIMP1) is a cytokine that is known to amplify the actions of tumor necrosis factor-α and to be involved in microglial activation and neuronal death. In this respect, AIMP1 could be a plausible target for the treatment of AD. Therefore, we aimed to examine whether anti-AIMP1 antibody could exert therapeutic effects against cognitive impairment using 3xTg-AD mice. Through the passive avoidance test, we found that an intraperitoneal injection of anti-AIMP1 antibody over 4 weeks was effective in protecting memory function in 3xTg-AD mice (16 weeks old). In addition, to address the translational implications of AIMP1, we measured blood AIMP1 levels in patients with AD (n=22), mild cognitive impairment (n=25), and normal cognition (n=23). Blood AIMP1 levels were associated negatively with global cognitive function and were significantly higher in individuals with a higher degree of medial temporal lobe atrophy, which is one of the representative clinical markers of AD. Our results suggested a possible association of AIMP1 with AD pathogenesis, as well as the potential of the anti-AIMP1 antibody as a novel therapeutic option for AD.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alzheimer Disease / blood
  • Alzheimer Disease / complications*
  • Alzheimer Disease / genetics
  • Alzheimer Disease / pathology
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / genetics
  • Animals
  • Antibodies / therapeutic use
  • Avoidance Learning / drug effects
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Cognition Disorders / metabolism*
  • Cognition Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Cytokines / metabolism*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Memory Disorders / etiology
  • Mental Status Schedule
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Presenilin-1 / genetics
  • Rotarod Performance Test
  • tau Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • Aimp1 protein, mouse
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor
  • Antibodies
  • Cytokines
  • Presenilin-1
  • tau Proteins