Pulsatile stretch as a novel modulator of amyloid precursor protein processing and associated inflammatory markers in human cerebral endothelial cells

Sci Rep. 2018 Jan 26;8(1):1689. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-20117-6.

Abstract

Amyloid β (Aβ) deposition is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Vascular modifications, including altered brain endothelial cell function and structural viability of the blood-brain barrier due to vascular pulsatility, are implicated in AD pathology. Pulsatility of phenomena in the cerebral vasculature are often not considered in in vitro models of the blood-brain barrier. We demonstrate, for the first time, that pulsatile stretch of brain vascular endothelial cells modulates amyloid precursor protein (APP) expression and the APP processing enzyme, β-secretase 1, eventuating increased-Aβ generation and secretion. Concurrent modulation of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling (expression and phosphorylation of eNOS) in response to pulsatile stretch indicates parallel activation of endothelial inflammatory pathways. These findings mechanistically support vascular pulsatility contributing towards cerebral Aβ levels.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / pathology*
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / analysis
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / analysis*
  • Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases / analysis
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cytological Techniques / methods*
  • Endothelial Cells / pathology*
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / analysis
  • Models, Biological
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III / analysis
  • Pulse*
  • Stress, Mechanical

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1
  • NOS3 protein, human
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases
  • Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases
  • BACE1 protein, human