SEPT8 modulates β-amyloidogenic processing of APP via affecting the sorting and accumulation of BACE1

Abstract

Dysfunction and loss of synapses are early pathogenic events in Alzheimer's disease (AD). A central step in the generation of toxic amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides is the cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β-site APP cleaving enzyme (BACE1). Here, we have elucidated whether down-regulation of septin (SEPT) protein family members, which are implicated in synaptic plasticity and vesicular trafficking, affects APP processing and Aβ generation. SEPT8 was found to reduce soluble APPβ and Aβ levels in neuronal cells via a post-translational mechanism leading to the decreased levels of BACE1 protein. In human temporal cortex, we identified alterations in the expression of specific SEPT8 transcript variants in relation to AD-related neurofibrillary pathology. These changes associated with altered β-secretase activity. We also discovered that the overexpression of a specific AD-associated SEPT8 transcript variant increased the levels of BACE1 and Aβ in neuronal cells. These changes were related to increased half-life of BACE1 and localization of BACE1 in recycling endosomes. These data suggest that SEPT8 modulates β-amyloidogenic processing of APP via a mechanism affecting the intracellular sorting and accumulation of BACE1.