Actions of ?-amyloid protein on human neurons are expressed through the amylin receptor.

ABSTRACT: Disruption of neurotoxic effects of amyloid ? protein (A?) is one of the major, but as yet elusive, goals in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The amylin receptor, activated by a pancreatic polypeptide isolated from diabetic patients, is a putative target for the actions of A? in the brain. Here we show that in primary cultures of human fetal neurons (HFNs), AC253, an amylin receptor antagonist, blocks electrophysiological effects of A?. Pharmacological blockade of the amylin receptor or its down-regulation using siRNA in HFNs confers neuroprotection against oligomeric A?-induced caspase-dependent and caspase-independent apoptotic cell death. In transgenic mice (TgCRND8) that overexpress amyloid precursor protein, amylin receptor is up-regulated in specific brain regions that also demonstrate an elevated amyloid burden. The expression of A? actions through the amylin receptor in human neurons and temporospatial interrelationship of A? and the amylin receptor in an in vivo model of AD together provide a persuasive rationale for this receptor as a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of AD.

SUBMITTER: Jhamandas JH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3070588 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature