Synapsin 1 promotes Aβ generation via BACE1 modulation

PLoS One. 2019 Dec 12;14(12):e0226368. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226368. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

It has been revealed that β-amyloid (Aβ) is generated and released from the presynaptic terminals in activity-dependent manner. However, molecules modulating the presynaptic Aβ generation remain elusive. Here we test the hypothesis that Synapsin 1 (Syn1) may acts as a modulator of the Aβ production. Using biochemical and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based imaging approaches we have found that Syn1 knock down decreases, whereas (over)expression of Syn1 in cells increases the Aβ levels. Mechanistically, Syn1 does not seem to affect the activity of Presenilin 1 (PS1)/γ-secretase, PS1 conformation, or the proximity between PS1 and amyloid precursor protein (APP). However, we found that Syn1 is involved in up-regulation of the β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1)/β-secretase activity and increases the APP/BACE1 interaction. Therefore, we conclude that Syn1 may promote Aβ production via the modulation of BACE1.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / genetics
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / metabolism*
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases / genetics
  • Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Presenilin-1 / genetics
  • Presenilin-1 / metabolism*
  • Synapsins / genetics
  • Synapsins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Presenilin-1
  • Synapsins
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases
  • Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases
  • Bace1 protein, mouse