C/EBPβ regulates delta-secretase expression and mediates pathogenesis in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease

Nat Commun. 2018 May 3;9(1):1784. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-04120-z.

Abstract

Delta-secretase cleaves both APP and Tau to mediate the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangle in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, how aging contributes to an increase in delta-secretase expression and AD pathologies remains unclear. Here we show that a CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein (C/EBPβ), an inflammation-regulated transcription factor, acts as a key age-dependent effector elevating both delta-secretase (AEP) and inflammatory cytokines expression in mediating pathogenesis in AD mouse models. We find that C/EBPβ regulates delta-secretase transcription and protein levels in an age-dependent manner. Overexpression of C/EBPβ in young 3xTg mice increases delta-secretase and accelerates the pathological features including cognitive dysfunctions, which is abolished by inactive AEP C189S. Conversely, depletion of C/EBPβ from old 3xTg or 5XFAD mice diminishes delta-secretase and reduces AD pathologies, leading to amelioration of cognitive impairment in these AD mouse models. Thus, our findings support that C/EBPβ plays a pivotal role in AD pathogenesis via increasing delta-secretase expression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / enzymology
  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism*
  • Alzheimer Disease / pathology*
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-beta / metabolism*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Central Nervous System / metabolism
  • Cognition Disorders / pathology
  • Cysteine Endopeptidases / genetics
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Glucose / metabolism
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Male
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Neurons / pathology
  • Oxygen / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Rats
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-beta
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases
  • Cysteine Endopeptidases
  • asparaginylendopeptidase
  • Glucose
  • Oxygen