GULP1 is a novel APP-interacting protein that alters APP processing

Biochem J. 2011 Jun 15;436(3):631-9. doi: 10.1042/BJ20110145.

Abstract

Altered production of Aβ (amyloid-β peptide), derived from the proteolytic cleavage of APP (amyloid precursor protein), is believed to be central to the pathogenesis of AD (Alzheimer's disease). Accumulating evidence reveals that APPc (APP C-terminal domain)-interacting proteins can influence APP processing. There is also evidence to suggest that APPc-interacting proteins work co-operatively and competitively to maintain normal APP functions and processing. Hence, identification of the full complement of APPc-interacting proteins is an important step for improving our understanding of APP processing. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, in the present study we identified GULP1 (engulfment adaptor protein 1) as a novel APPc-interacting protein. We found that the GULP1-APP interaction is mediated by the NPTY motif of APP and the GULP1 PTB (phosphotyrosine-binding) domain. Confocal microscopy revealed that a proportion of APP and GULP1 co-localized in neurons. In an APP-GAL4 reporter assay, we demonstrated that GULP1 altered the processing of APP. Moreover, overexpression of GULP1 enhanced the generation of APP CTFs (C-terminal fragments) and Aβ, whereas knockdown of GULP1 suppressed APP CTFs and Aβ production. The results of the present study reveal that GULP1 is a novel APP/APPc-interacting protein that influences APP processing and Aβ production.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / genetics
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / physiology*
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • CHO Cells
  • Cricetinae
  • Cricetulus
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Two-Hybrid System Techniques

Substances

  • APP protein, human
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor
  • GULP1 protein, human