Effects of TNFα-converting enzyme inhibition on amyloid β production and APP processing in vitro and in vivo

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) is a proinflammatory cytokine that is elevated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains. Because TNFα is released from cell membranes by the TNFα-converting enzyme (TACE), inhibition of TACE has the potential to mitigate TNFα effects in AD brain. TACE also cleaves amyloid precursor protein (APP) and generates sAPPα, precluding the formation of potentially harmful amyloid β (Aβ) peptides by β-site APP cleaving enzymes (BACE). Hence, the anti-inflammatory benefits of TACE inhibition might be offset by an increase in Aβ. We have examined the effects of the highly selective TACE inhibitor, BMS-561392, on APP processing in vitro and in vivo. In Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing APP, BMS-561392 significantly reduced secretion of sAPPα without a corresponding increase in Aβ production. Conversely, a BACE inhibitor decreased sAPPβ and Aβ peptides with no change in the secretion of sAPPα. These data indicate an absence of TACE and BACE competition for the APP substrate. Despite this, we observed competition for APP when TACE activity was enhanced via phorbol ester treatment or if APP was modified such that it was retained within the trans-Golgi network (TGN). These results suggest that BACE and TACE share a common TGN localization, but under normal conditions do not compete for APP. To confirm this finding in vivo, BMS-561392 was infused into the brains of Tg2576 and wild-type mice. Although decreased brain sAPPα levels were observed, steady-state Aβ levels were not significantly changed. Accordingly, it is possible that TACE inhibitors could reduce TNFα levels without increasing Aβ levels within the AD brain. Copyright © 2008 Society for Neuroscience.