Posttranslational modification impact on the mechanism by which amyloid‐β induces synaptic dysfunction. (18th April 2017) - Grochowska, Katarzyna M
Abstract: Oligomeric amyloid‐β (Aβ) 1‐42 disrupts synaptic function at an early stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Multiple posttranslational modifications of Aβ have been identified, among which N‐terminally truncated forms are the most abundant. It is not clear, however, whether modified species can induce synaptic dysfunction on their own and how altered biochemical properties can contribute to the synaptotoxic mechanisms. Here, we show that a prominent isoform, pyroglutamated Aβ3(pE)‐42, induces synaptic dysfunction to a similar extent like Aβ1‐42 but by clearly different mechanisms. In contrast to Aβ1‐42, Aβ3(pE)‐42 does not directly associate with synaptic membranes or the prion protein but is instead taken up by astrocytes and potently induces glial release of the proinflammatory cytokine TNFα. Moreover, Aβ3(pE)‐42‐induced synaptic dysfunction is not related to NMDAR signalling and Aβ3(pE)‐42‐induced impairment of synaptic plasticity cannot be rescued by D1‐agonists. Collectively, the data point to a scenario where neuroinflammatory processes together with direct synaptotoxic effects are caused by posttranslational modification of soluble oligomeric Aβ and contribute synergistically to the onset of synaptic dysfunction in AD. Synopsis: This study shows that posttranslationally modified Aβ oligomers trigger synaptic dysfunction via different pathological signalling. Variability in modified Aβ isoforms between AD patients may result in different pathomechanisms and clinical trajectories. Both Aβ1‐42 and pyroglutamylated Aβ3(pE)‐42 induce synaptic dysfunction. Aβ1‐42 induces synaptic dysfunction via prion protein/NMDR‐ and mGluR‐related signalling, impairing plasticity‐related gene expression. Aβ3(pE)‐42 is taken up by glia, which leads to release of TNFα and inhibition of synaptic function. Abstract : This study shows that posttranslationally modified Aβ oligomers trigger synaptic dysfunction via different pathological signalling. Variability in modified Aβ isoforms between AD patients may result in different pathomechanisms and clinical trajectories.