In Alzheimer's disease (AD), an early causative role for Amyloid beta (A) peptide is supported by pathology, by human genetics and by biomarker studies. More specifically, A oligomers trigger a toxic cascade that impairs synaptic function and subsequently leads to Tau pathology and progressive cognitive dysfunction. Therapeutic efforts to intervene in the A pathway have focused on the production or clearance of the peptide, and unfortunately have been disappointing so far. Additional validated targets for AD therapy are needed. Previously, we have studied the basis for A oligomer (Ao) toxicity in neurons. Using an unbiased genome- wide screening method we searched for A oligomer-specific binding sites expressed in brain, and identified PrPC. Amongst reported Ao binding sites, only PrPC was identified through an unbiased, genome-wide screen. In the previous grant cycle, we went on to define an Ao?PrPC?mGluR5?Fyn cascade that damages synapses in AD models. Here, we will pursue three aims to expand our knowledge of Ao synaptotoxic signaling, focusing on the PrPC?mGluR5 complex. First, we use conditional deletion of PrPC expression in AD transgenic mice, and show a role for Ao signaling via PrPC in the maintenance and progression of synaptic and memory impairments. Deleting PrPC rescues established deficits. This highlights the need to understand how specific residues in the natively unfolded segment of PrPC recognize oligomeric but not other forms of A peptide to trigger synaptic symptoms. We will combine biochemical, mutagenesis and NMR analyses to provide molecular insight. Not only are PrPC and mGluR5 required individually for mouse transgenic phenotypes, but preliminary data show that they also interact genetically in linking Ao to intracellular signaling molecules and in generating mouse model synapse and memory loss. Importantly, while mGluR5 interacts with many intracellular polypeptides, PrPC is unique as an extracellular polypeptide interaction. We will examine the basis for the interaction of these two proteins, defining requisite domains and changes in quaternary structure. While we and later others observed that negative allosteric modulators of mGluR5 rescue Ao and AD transgene phenotypes, the therapeutic index is very narrow. Minor increases in dose interrupt endogenous Glu signaling and impair behavioral function. The optimal therapeutic compound would preserve endogenous mGluR5 signaling for Glu but block signaling from Ao?PrPC. Having identified a high potency Silent Allosteric Modulator with this profile, we propose to test its efficacy to block neuronal Ao signaling in neurons and in transgenic mice. Together these studies will provide insight into how the PrPC?mGluR5 transduction complex plays a central role in AD related signaling and explore a potential therapeutic approach.

Public Health Relevance

Disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer's disease is a massive unmet medical need. Research with Alzheimer models demonstrates that oligomeric forms of Amyloid beta peptide attack the neuron by binding to Cellular Prion Protein and triggering a signaling cascade of reactions. Steps in this cascade may provide new therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease. Here, we seek to characterize the timing and localization of this pathophysiological signaling cascade, delineate the molecular basis of signaling and develop means to target mGluR5 pharmacologically for AD.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
3R01AG034924-08S1
Application #
9688806
Study Section
Biophysics of Neural Systems Study Section (BPNS)
Program Officer
Yang, Austin Jyan-Yu
Project Start
2010-08-01
Project End
2019-05-31
Budget Start
2018-09-15
Budget End
2019-05-31
Support Year
8
Fiscal Year
2018
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Yale University
Department
Neurology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
043207562
City
New Haven
State
CT
Country
United States
Zip Code
Kostylev, Mikhail A; Tuttle, Marcus D; Lee, Suho et al. (2018) Liquid and Hydrogel Phases of PrPC Linked to Conformation Shifts and Triggered by Alzheimer's Amyloid-? Oligomers. Mol Cell 72:426-443.e12
Strittmatter, Stephen M (2018) Emerging Mechanisms in Alzheimer's Disease and Their Therapeutic Implications. Biol Psychiatry 83:298-299
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Kent, Brianne A; Strittmatter, Stephen M; Nygaard, Haakon B (2018) Sleep and EEG Power Spectral Analysis in Three Transgenic Mouse Models of Alzheimer's Disease: APP/PS1, 3xTgAD, and Tg2576. J Alzheimers Dis 64:1325-1336
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Salazar, Santiago V; Strittmatter, Stephen M (2017) Cellular prion protein as a receptor for amyloid-? oligomers in Alzheimer's disease. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 483:1143-1147
Heiss, Jacqueline K; Barrett, Joshua; Yu, Zizi et al. (2017) Early Activation of Experience-Independent Dendritic Spine Turnover in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Cereb Cortex 27:3660-3674

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