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Accelerated diabetes in rat insulin promoter-tumor necrosis factor-alpha transgenic nonobese diabetic mice lacking major histocompatibility class II molecules. Rajagopalan Govindarajan,Kudva Yogish C,Flavell Richard A,David Chella S Diabetes The major predisposing genetic component in type 1 diabetes maps to the major histocompatibility complex locus in both mice and humans. To verify the HLA class II association with disease pathogenesis, we adopted the transgenic approach. Expression of HLA-DQ8, the molecule showing the strongest association with human type 1 diabetes, in the diabetes-predisposing milieu of NOD mice in the absence of the endogenous class II molecule I-A(g7) did not render susceptibility to type 1 diabetes. To study if providing a local proinflammatory environment would lead to diabetes in these mice, Abeta(o).NOD.DQ8 were bred with C57BL/6 mice expressing tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in the beta-cells of the islets of Langerhans. Surprisingly, although diabetes was evident in the F1 intercross expressing rat insulin promoter (RIP)-TNF, offspring lacking either endogenous or transgenic class II molecules developed accelerated diabetes with high frequency in both sexes. Moreover, expression of any functional class II molecule seemed to confer significant protection from diabetes in this model. Thus, neonatal expression of TNF-alpha in an islet-specific manner bypassed the requirement of CD4(+) T-cells and resulted in diabetes that could be mediated by CD8(+) T-cells. We also show for the first time that diabetes in NOD.RIP-TNF mice can occur independent of inheritance of NOD-derived idd1. 10.2337/diabetes.52.2.342
Diabetes exacerbates amyloid and neurovascular pathology in aging-accelerated mice. Currais Antonio,Prior Marguerite,Lo David,Jolivalt Corinne,Schubert David,Maher Pamela Aging cell Mounting evidence supports a link between diabetes, cognitive dysfunction, and aging. However, the physiological mechanisms by which diabetes impacts brain function and cognition are not fully understood. To determine how diabetes contributes to cognitive dysfunction and age-associated pathology, we used streptozotocin to induce type 1 diabetes (T1D) in senescence-accelerated prone 8 (SAMP8) and senescence-resistant 1 (SAMR1) mice. Contextual fear conditioning demonstrated that T1D resulted in the development of cognitive deficits in SAMR1 mice similar to those seen in age-matched, nondiabetic SAMP8 mice. No further cognitive deficits were observed when the SAMP8 mice were made diabetic. T1D dramatically increased Aβ and glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity in the hippocampus of SAMP8 mice and to a lesser extent in age-matched SAMR1 mice. Further analysis revealed aggregated Aβ within astrocyte processes surrounding vessels. Western blot analyses from T1D SAMP8 mice showed elevated amyloid precursor protein processing and protein glycation along with increased inflammation. T1D elevated tau phosphorylation in the SAMR1 mice but did not further increase it in the SAMP8 mice where it was already significantly higher. These data suggest that aberrant glucose metabolism potentiates the aging phenotype in old mice and contributes to early stage central nervous system pathology in younger animals. 10.1111/acel.12002
High glucose-mediated PICALM and mTORC1 modulate processing of amyloid precursor protein via endosomal abnormalities. Chae Chang Woo,Lee Hyun Jik,Choi Gee Euhn,Jung Young Hyun,Kim Jun Sung,Lim Jae Ryong,Kim Seo Yihl,Hwang In Koo,Seong Je Kyung,Han Ho Jae British journal of pharmacology BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Although diabetes mellitus (DM) is an important risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), the detailed mechanism(s) by which DM regulates amyloid β (Aβ) processing is still unclear. The longer residence time of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in endosomes is critical for Aβ production and DM is known to cause endosomal dysregulation. Here we have examined the effects of high glucose on APP-producing endosomes and related signaling pathways. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH:To identify the underlying mechanisms, we investigated the effects of high glucose on abnormalities in early endosomes and related signalling pathways in human neuroblastoma cells. In vivo, diabetic mice treated with pharmacological inhibitors were used to examine endosomal dysfunction. KEY RESULTS:The hippocampus of diabetic animals presented endosomal abnormalities and Aβ up-regulation. High glucose increased Aβ production through early endosomal enlargement achieved by increased lipid raft-mediated APP endocytosis. High glucose induced ROS-stimulated Sp1 activation, up-regulating phosphatidylinositol binding clathrin assembly protein (PICALM), clathrin heavy chain, and adaptor-related protein complex 2 alpha 1. PICALM facilitated clathrin-mediated APP endocytosis resulting in early endosomal enlargement. Meanwhile, AMPK/mTORC1-mediated autophagy defect and ROS- and mTORC1-mediated lysosomal dysfunction aggravated early endosomal enlargement under high glucose. Moreover, the increased Aβ production and cognitive deficits in diabetic mice were reversed by inhibition of early endosomal enlargement. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS:High glucose induces early endosomal abnormalities through PICALM-induced APP endocytosis and mTORC1-inhibited endosomal clearance, up-regulating Aβ production. Thus, targeting PICALM and mTORC1 to prevent endosomal disorders is a promising strategy for managing diabetes-induced AD. 10.1111/bph.15131
Type-2-Diabetes Alters CSF but Not Plasma Metabolomic and AD Risk Profiles in Vervet Monkeys. Frontiers in neuroscience Epidemiological studies suggest that individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have a twofold to fourfold increased risk for developing Alzheimer's disease (AD), however, the exact mechanisms linking the two diseases are unknown. In both conditions, the majority of pathophysiological changes, including glucose and insulin dysregulation, insulin resistance, and AD-related changes in Aβ and tau, occur decades before the onset of clinical symptoms and diagnosis. In this study, we investigated the relationship between metabolic biomarkers associated with T2D and amyloid pathology including Aβ levels, from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and fasting plasma of healthy, pre-diabetic (PreD), and T2D vervet monkeys (). Consistent with the human disease, T2D monkeys have increased plasma and CSF glucose levels as they transition from normoglycemia to PreD and diabetic states. Although plasma levels of acylcarnitines and amino acids remained largely unchanged, peripheral hyperglycemia correlated with decreased CSF acylcarnitines and CSF amino acids, including branched chain amino acid (BCAA) concentrations, suggesting profound changes in cerebral metabolism coincident with systemic glucose dysregulation. Moreover, CSF Aβ and CSF Aβ levels decreased in T2D monkeys, a phenomenon observed in the human course of AD which coincides with increased amyloid deposition within the brain. In agreement with previous studies in mice, CSF Aβ and CSF Aβ were highly correlated with CSF glucose levels, suggesting that glucose levels in the brain are associated with changes in Aβ metabolism. Interestingly, CSF Aβ and CSF Aβ levels were also highly correlated with plasma but not CSF lactate levels, suggesting that plasma lactate might serve as a potential biomarker of disease progression in AD. Moreover, CSF glucose and plasma lactate levels were correlated with CSF amino acid and acylcarnitine levels, demonstrating alterations in cerebral metabolism occurring with the onset of T2D. Together, these data suggest that peripheral metabolic changes associated with the development of T2D produce alterations in brain metabolism that lead to early changes in the amyloid cascade, similar to those observed in pre-symptomatic AD. 10.3389/fnins.2019.00843
Agmatine ameliorates type 2 diabetes induced-Alzheimer's disease-like alterations in high-fat diet-fed mice via reactivation of blunted insulin signalling. Kang Somang,Kim Chul-Hoon,Jung Hosung,Kim Eosu,Song Ho-Taek,Lee Jong Eun Neuropharmacology The risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is higher in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Previous studies in high-fat diet-induced AD animal models have shown that brain insulin resistance in these animals leads to the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) and the reduction in GSK-3β phosphorylation, which promotes tau phosphorylation to cause AD. No therapeutic treatments that target AD in T2DM patients have yet been discovered. Agmatine, a primary amine derived from l-arginine, has exhibited anti-diabetic effects in diabetic animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of agmatine to treat AD induced by brain insulin resistance. ICR mice were fed a 60% high-fat diet for 12 weeks and received one injection of streptozotocin (100 mg/kg/ip) 4 weeks into the diet. After the 12-week diet, the mice were treated with agmatine (100 mg/kg/ip) for 2 weeks. Behaviour tests were conducted prior to sacrifice. Brain expression levels of the insulin signal molecules p-IRS-1, p-Akt, and p-GSK-3β and the accumulation of Aβ and p-tau were evaluated. Agmatine administration rescued the reduction in insulin signalling, which in turn reduced the accumulation of Aβ and p-tau in the brain. Furthermore, agmatine treatment also reduced cognitive decline. Agmatine attenuated the occurrence of AD in T2DM mice via the activation of the blunted insulin signal. 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.10.029
Type 2 diabetic and Alzheimer's disease mice present similar behavioral, cognitive, and vascular anomalies. Carvalho Cristina,Machado Nuno,Mota Paula C,Correia Sónia C,Cardoso Susana,Santos Renato X,Santos Maria S,Oliveira Catarina R,Moreira Paula I Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is considered a major risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). To elucidate the links between both pathological conditions, we compared behavioral and cognitive functions, cerebral amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) levels and vasculature integrity of 11-month-old T2D and AD mice. For this purpose, we performed behavioral tests (open field, object recognition, Y-maze, and elevated plus maze tests), ELISA to assess plasma markers of endothelial/vascular dysfunction, spectrophotometric assays to evaluate cerebral vascular permeability and enzymatic activities, and immunohistochemistry for the assessment of Aβ levels. Both T2D and AD showed similar behavioral and cognitive anomalies characterized by increased fear and anxiety and decreased learning and memory abilities. Interestingly, both groups of animals presented increased plasma markers of endothelial/vascular dysfunction and permeability of cerebral vasculature and impaired mitochondrial enzymatic activities. In addition, a significant increase in Aβ levels was observed in the cortex and hippocampus of T2D mice. These results support the notion that T2D predisposes to cerebrovascular alterations, cognitive decline, and development of AD. 10.3233/JAD-130005
Upregulation of RAGE at the blood-brain barrier in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Liu Li Ping,Hong Hao,Liao Jian Ming,Wang Tong Sheng,Wu Jing,Chen Si Si,Li Yong Qi,Long Yan,Xia Yuan Zheng Synapse (New York, N.Y.) Deposition of amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) in the brain of diabetes is poorly understood. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is critical for regulation of Abeta homeostasis in the brain. In this studies, we used streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice to observe the expression of RAGE at the BBB by Western blot and immunocytochemical analysis, and the in vivo blood-to-brain influx transport of (125)I-Abeta(1-) (40) using the permeability surface area product (PS) and brain capillary uptake. In the diabetic mice with hyperglycemia (>16.0 mmol/L) at 6 weeks, RAGE expression at the BBB was significantly upregulated, no significant changes of RAGE levels were found at 1 and 3 weeks after diabetes induction. The data of PS and brain capillary uptake for Abeta showed significant RAGE-dependent transport of Abeta across the BBB and substantial RAGE-dependent brain capillary uptake at 6 weeks after diabetes induction. We conclude that the upregulation of RAGE at the BBB contributes to cerebral Abeta deposition in the diabetes. 10.1002/syn.20644
Downregulation of LRP1 [correction of LPR1] at the blood-brain barrier in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Hong Hao,Liu Li Ping,Liao Jian Ming,Wang Tong Sheng,Ye Feng Ying,Wu Jing,Wang Ying Yu,Wang Ying,Li Yong Qi,Long Yan,Xia Yuan Zheng Neuropharmacology Deposition of amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) in the diabetic brain is poorly understood. Low-density lipoprotein receptor related protein 1(LRP1) at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is critical for regulation of Abeta homeostasis in the brain. In this study, we used streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice to observe the expression of LRP1 at the BBB by Western blot and immunocytochemical analysis, and to study in vivo brain-to-blood efflux transport of 125I-Abeta1-40 using brain clearance studies. In the diabetic mice with hyperglycemia (>16.0 mmol/l) at 6 weeks, LRP1 expression at the BBB was significantly downregulated; no significant changes of LRP1 levels were found at 1 and 3 weeks after diabetes induction. The data of brain clearance studies for Abeta showed significant decrease in LRP1-dependent transport of Abeta across the BBB at 6 weeks after diabetes induction, while no significant changes of LRP1-dependent transport of Abeta across the BBB at 1 or 3 weeks after diabetes induction were apparent. We conclude that the downregulation of LRP1 at the BBB contributes to cerebral Abeta deposition in diabetes mellitus. 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2009.03.001
Chronic diabetic states worsen Alzheimer neuropathology and cognitive deficits accompanying disruption of calcium signaling in leptin-deficient APP/PS1 mice. Zhang Shuai,Chai Rui,Yang Ying-Ying,Guo Shi-Qi,Wang Shan,Guo Tian,Xu Shuang-Feng,Zhang Yan-Hui,Wang Zhan-You,Guo Chuang Oncotarget The coincidences between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are so compelling that it is attractive to speculate that diabetic conditions might aggravate AD pathologies by calcium dysfunction, although the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved remains elusive. The present work was undertaken to investigate whether calcium dyshomeostasis is associated with the exacerbated Alzheimer-like cognitive dysfunction observed in diabetic conditions in APP/PS1-ob/ob mice, which were generated by crossing ob/ob mice with APP/PS1 mice. We confirmed that the diabetic condition can aggravate not only Aβ deposition but also tau phosphorylation, synaptic loss, neuronal death, and inflammation, exacerbating cognitive impairment in AD mice. More importantly, we found that the diabetic condition dramatically elevated calcium levels in APP/PS1 mice, thereby stimulating the phosphorylation of the calcium-dependent kinases. Our findings suggest that controlling over-elevation of intracellular calcium may provide novel insights for approaching AD in diabetic patients and delaying AD progression. 10.18632/oncotarget.17116
Common features between diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease. Götz J,Ittner L M,Lim Y-A Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS Epidemiological studies establish a link between Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), both leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. These diseases also share clinical and biochemical features suggesting common pathogenic mechanisms. Specifically, both are amyloidoses as they are characterized by fibrillar protein aggregates - amylin in T2DM pancreatic islets, and beta-amyloid (Abeta) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in AD brain. Amylin aggregation is associated with pancreatic beta-cell loss, and Abeta and NFT formation with neuronal cell loss. We discuss the possibility that amylin and Abeta exert their toxicity by similar mechanisms, with components of the pathocascades shared, and that therapies based on amyloidogenic properties are beneficial for both T2DM and AD. 10.1007/s00018-009-9070-1
Sex differences between APPswePS1dE9 mice in A-beta accumulation and pancreatic islet function during the development of Alzheimer's disease. Li Xin,Feng Ying,Wu Wei,Zhao Jia,Fu Chunmei,Li Yang,Ding Yangnan,Wu Binghuo,Gong Yanju,Yang Guizhi,Zhou Xue Laboratory animals The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a type of neurodegenerative disease characterized by learning and memory impairment, is often associated with pathological features, such as amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation and insulin resistance. The transgenic mouse, APPswePS1dE9 (APP/PS1), is one of the most commonly used animal models in pathogenesis studies of AD. The purpose of this study is to investigate the sex differences between APP/PS1 mice in the pathogenesis of AD. The impairment of glucose and insulin tolerance was found to develop earlier in male APP/PS1 mice than in females. Plasma insulin levels were significantly decreased in male APP/PS1 mice, while total cholesterol levels in male APP/PS1 mice were higher than those in females. Triglyceride levels in male mice in both the wild-type (WT) and APP/PS1 groups were higher than in their female littermates. Soluble and insoluble Aβ levels in female APP/PS1 mouse brains were higher than those in males. And the learning and memorizing abilities of female APP/PS1 mice were poorer than those of males. Our results concluded that there were sex differences in Aβ formation, pancreatic islet function and insulin sensitivity between male and female APP/PS1 mice during the pathogenesis of AD. 10.1177/0023677215615269
Beta amyloid and hyperphosphorylated tau deposits in the pancreas in type 2 diabetes. Miklossy Judith,Qing Hong,Radenovic Aleksandra,Kis Andras,Vileno Bertrand,Làszló Forró,Miller Lisa,Martins Ralph N,Waeber Gerard,Mooser Vincent,Bosman Fred,Khalili Kamel,Darbinian Nune,McGeer Patrick L Neurobiology of aging Strong epidemiologic evidence suggests an association between Alzheimer disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes. To determine if amyloid beta (Abeta) and hyperphosphorylated tau occurs in type 2 diabetes, pancreas tissues from 21 autopsy cases (10 type 2 diabetes and 11 controls) were analyzed. APP and tau mRNAs were identified in human pancreas and in cultured insulinoma beta cells (INS-1) by RT-PCR. Prominent APP and tau bands were detected by Western blotting in pancreatic extracts. Aggregated Abeta, hyperphosphorylated tau, ubiquitin, apolipoprotein E, apolipoprotein(a), IB1/JIP-1 and JNK1 were detected in Langerhans islets in type 2 diabetic patients. Abeta was co-localized with amylin in islet amyloid deposits. In situ beta sheet formation of islet amyloid deposits was shown by infrared microspectroscopy (SIRMS). LPS increased APP in non-neuronal cells as well. We conclude that Abeta deposits and hyperphosphorylated tau are also associated with type 2 diabetes, highlighting common pathogenetic features in neurodegenerative disorders, including AD and type 2 diabetes and suggesting that Abeta deposits and hyperphosphorylated tau may also occur in other organs than the brain. 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2008.08.019
Molecular interaction between type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease through cross-seeding of protein misfolding. Moreno-Gonzalez I,Edwards Iii G,Salvadores N,Shahnawaz M,Diaz-Espinoza R,Soto C Molecular psychiatry Numerous epidemiological studies have shown a significantly higher risk for development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in patients affected by type 2 diabetes (T2D), but the molecular mechanism responsible for this association is presently unknown. Both diseases are considered protein misfolding disorders associated with the accumulation of protein aggregates; amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau in the brain during AD, and islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) in pancreatic islets in T2D. Formation and accumulation of these proteins follows a seeding-nucleation model, where a misfolded aggregate or 'seed' promotes the rapid misfolding and aggregation of the native protein. Our underlying hypothesis is that misfolded IAPP produced in T2D potentiates AD pathology by cross-seeding Aβ, providing a molecular explanation for the link between these diseases. Here, we examined how misfolded IAPP affects Aβ aggregation and AD pathology in vitro and in vivo. We observed that addition of IAPP seeds accelerates Aβ aggregation in vitro in a seeding-like manner and the resulting fibrils are composed of both peptides. Transgenic animals expressing both human proteins exhibited exacerbated AD-like pathology compared with AD transgenic mice or AD transgenic animals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Remarkably, IAPP colocalized with amyloid plaques in brain parenchymal deposits, suggesting that these peptides may directly interact and aggravate the disease. Furthermore, inoculation of pancreatic IAPP aggregates into the brains of AD transgenic mice resulted in more severe AD pathology and significantly greater memory impairments than untreated animals. These data provide a proof-of-concept for a new disease mechanism involving the interaction of misfolded proteins through cross-seeding events which may contribute to accelerate or exacerbate disease pathogenesis. Our findings could shed light on understanding the linkage between T2D and AD, two of the most prevalent protein misfolding disorders. 10.1038/mp.2016.230
In vivo seeding and cross-seeding of localized amyloidosis: a molecular link between type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer disease. Oskarsson Marie E,Paulsson Johan F,Schultz Sebastian W,Ingelsson Martin,Westermark Per,Westermark Gunilla T The American journal of pathology Several proteins have been identified as amyloid forming in humans, and independent of protein origin, the fibrils are morphologically similar. Therefore, there is a potential for structures with amyloid seeding ability to induce both homologous and heterologous fibril growth; thus, molecular interaction can constitute a link between different amyloid forms. Intravenous injection with preformed fibrils from islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), proIAPP, or amyloid-beta (Aβ) into human IAPP transgenic mice triggered IAPP amyloid formation in pancreas in 5 of 7 mice in each group, demonstrating that IAPP amyloid could be enhanced through homologous and heterologous seeding with higher efficiency for the former mechanism. Proximity ligation assay was used for colocalization studies of IAPP and Aβ in islet amyloid in type 2 diabetic patients and Aβ deposits in brains of patients with Alzheimer disease. Aβ reactivity was not detected in islet amyloid although islet β cells express AβPP and convertases necessary for Aβ production. By contrast, IAPP and proIAPP were detected in cerebral and vascular Aβ deposits, and presence of proximity ligation signal at both locations showed that the peptides were <40 nm apart. It is not clear whether IAPP present in brain originates from pancreas or is locally produced. Heterologous seeding between IAPP and Aβ shown here may represent a molecular link between type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer disease. 10.1016/j.ajpath.2014.11.016
Amyloid-β and islet amyloid pathologies link Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes in a transgenic model. Wijesekara Nadeeja,Ahrens Rosemary,Sabale Miheer,Wu Ling,Ha Kathy,Verdile Giuseppe,Fraser Paul E FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) present a significant risk to each other. AD and T2D are characterized by deposition of cerebral amyloid-β (Aβ) and pancreatic human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP), respectively. We investigated the role of amyloidogenic proteins in the interplay between these diseases. A novel double transgenic mouse model combining T2D and AD was generated and characterized. AD-related amyloid transgenic mice coexpressing hIAPP displayed peripheral insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and glucose intolerance. Aβ and IAPP amyloid co-deposition increased tau phosphorylation, and a reduction in pancreatic β-cell mass was detected in islets. Increased brain Aβ deposition and tau phosphorylation and reduced insulin levels and signaling were accompanied by extensive synaptic loss and decreased neuronal counts. Aβ immunization rescued the peripheral insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, suggesting a role for Aβ in T2D pathogenesis for individuals predisposed to AD. These findings demonstrate that Aβ and IAPP are key factors in the overlapping pathologies of AD and T2D.-Wijesekara, N., Ahrens, R., Sabale, M., Wu, L., Ha, K., Verdile, G., Fraser, P. E. Amyloid-β and islet amyloid pathologies link Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes in a transgenic model. 10.1096/fj.201700431R
The effect of Aβ on IAPP aggregation in the presence of an isolated β-cell membrane. Seeliger Janine,Weise Katrin,Opitz Norbert,Winter Roland Journal of molecular biology Fibrillar aggregates of the islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) and amyloid-β (Aβ) are known to deposit at pancreatic β-cells and neuronal cells and are associated with the cell degenerative diseases type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), respectively. Since IAPP is secreted by β-cells and a membrane-damaging effect of IAPP has been discussed as a reason for β-cell dysfunction and the development of T2DM, studies of the interaction of IAPP with the β-cell membrane are of high relevance for gaining a molecular-level understanding of the underlying mechanism. Recently, it has also been shown that patients suffering from T2DM exhibit an increased risk to develop AD and vice versa, and a molecular link between AD and T2DM has been suggested. In this study, membrane lipids from the rat insulinoma-derived INS-1E β-cell line were isolated, and their interaction with the amyloidogenic peptides IAPP and Aβ and a mixture of both peptides has been studied. To yield insight into the associated peptides' conformational changes and their effect on the membrane integrity during aggregation, we have carried out attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and atomic force microscopy experiments. The IAPP-Aβ heterocomplexes formed were shown to adsorb, aggregate, and permeabilize the isolated β-cell membrane significantly slower than pure IAPP, however, at a rate that is much faster than that of pure Aβ. In addition, it could be shown that isolated β-cell membranes cause similar effects on the kinetics of IAPP and IAPP-Aβ fibril formation as anionic heterogeneous model membranes. 10.1016/j.jmb.2012.01.048
Amyloid precursor protein in pancreatic islets. Kulas Joshua A,Puig Kendra L,Combs Colin K The Journal of endocrinology The amyloid precursor protein (APP) has been extensively investigated for its role in the production of amyloid beta (Aβ), a plaque-forming peptide in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Epidemiological evidence suggests type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for AD. The pancreas is an essential regulator of blood glucose levels through the secretion of the hormones insulin and glucagon. Pancreatic dysfunction is a well-characterized consequence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In this study, we have examined the expression and processing of pancreatic APP to test the hypothesis that APP may play a role in pancreatic function and the pathophysiology of diabetes. Our data demonstrate the presence of APP within the pancreas, including pancreatic islets in both mouse and human samples. Additionally, we report that the APP/PS1 mouse model of AD overexpresses APP within pancreatic islets, although this did not result in detectable levels of Aβ. We compared whole pancreas and islet culture lysates by Western blot from C57BL/6 (WT), APP and APP/PS1 mice and observed APP-dependent differences in the total protein levels of GLUT4, IDE and BACE2. Immunohistochemistry for BACE2 detected high levels in pancreatic α cells. Additionally, both mouse and human islets processed APP to release sAPP into cell culture media. Moreover, sAPP stimulated insulin but not glucagon secretion from islet cultures. We conclude that APP and its metabolites are capable of influencing the basic physiology of the pancreas, possibly through the release of sAPP acting in an autocrine or paracrine manner. 10.1530/JOE-17-0122
Peripherally applied synthetic peptide isoAsp7-Aβ(1-42) triggers cerebral β-amyloidosis. Kozin S A,Cheglakov I B,Ovsepyan A A,Telegin G B,Tsvetkov P O,Lisitsa A V,Makarov A A Neurotoxicity research Intracerebral and intraperitoneal inoculation with β-amyloid-rich brain extracts originating from patients with Alzheimer's disease as well as intracerebral injection of aggregates composed of synthetic Aβ can induce cerebral β-amyloidosis, and associated cognitive dysfunctions in susceptible animal hosts. We have found that repetitive intravenous administration of 100 μg of synthetic peptide corresponding to isoAsp7-containing Aβ(1-42), an abundant age-dependent Aβ isoform present both in the pathological brain and in synthetic Aβ preparations, robustly accelerates formation of classic dense-core congophilic amyloid plaques in the brain of β-amyloid precursor protein transgenic mice. Our findings indicate this peptide as an inductive agent of cerebral β-amyloidosis in vivo. 10.1007/s12640-013-9399-y