Post-Translational Modifications of Platelet-Derived Amyloid Precursor Protein by Coagulation Factor XIII-A

Biochemistry. 2020 Nov 24;59(46):4449-4455. doi: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00450. Epub 2020 Nov 8.

Abstract

The physiological function of amyloid β precursor protein (APP) in platelets has remained elusive. Upon platelet activation, APP localizes to the platelet surface and is proteolytically processed by proteases to release various metabolites, including amyloid β (Aβ) and soluble APP. Synthetic Aβ is a substrate of activated coagulation factor XIII (FXIII-A*), a transglutaminase that is active both inside and on the surface of platelets. Here we tested if platelet APP and its fragments are covalently modified by FXIII-A*. Platelet-derived FXIII-A* and fibrin(ogen) bound to APP, and their bound fractions increased 7- and 11-fold upon platelet activation, respectively. The processing of platelet APP was enhanced when FXIII-A* was inhibited. Soluble APPβ was covalently cross-linked by FXIII-A*. This mechanism regulating APP processing is significant, because controlling the processing of APP, such as by inhibiting specific secretases that cleave APP, is a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / chemistry
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / genetics
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Blood Platelets / metabolism*
  • Factor XIIIa / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Platelet Activation
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational*
  • Thrombin / chemistry

Substances

  • APP protein, human
  • APP protein, mouse
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor
  • Factor XIIIa
  • Thrombin