Alzheimer amyloid-β oligomer bound to postsynaptic prion protein activates Fyn to impair neurons.

ABSTRACT: Amyloid-beta (Aβ) oligomers are thought to trigger Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology. Cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) selectively binds oligomeric Aβ and can mediate Alzheimer's disease-related phenotypes. We examined the specificity, distribution and signaling of Aβ-PrP(C) complexes, seeking to understand how they might alter the function of NMDA receptors (NMDARs) in neurons. PrP(C) is enriched in postsynaptic densities, and Aβ-PrP(C) interaction leads to Fyn kinase activation. Soluble Aβ assemblies derived from the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease interacted with PrP(C) to activate Fyn. Aβ engagement of PrP(C)-Fyn signaling yielded phosphorylation of the NR2B subunit of NMDARs, which was coupled to an initial increase and then a loss of surface NMDARs. Aβ-induced dendrit

SUBMITTER: Um JW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3431439 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature