Tight control of the APP-Mint1 interaction in regulating amyloid production

Generation of amyloid-& beta; (A & beta;) peptides through the proteolytic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a pathogenic event in Alzheimer's disease (AD). APP is a transmembrane protein and endocytosis of APP mediated by the YENPTY motif is a key step in A & beta; generation. Mints, a family of cytosolic adaptor proteins, directly bind to the YENPTY motif of APP and facilitate APP trafficking and processing. Here, we generated and examined two Mint1 mutants, Tyr633Ala of Mint1 (Mint1Y633A) that enhanced APP binding, and Tyr549Ala and Phe610Ala mutant (Mint1Y549A/F610A), that reduced APP binding. We investigated how perturbing the APPMint1 interaction through these Mint1 mutants alter APP and Mint1 cellular dynamics and Mint1 & PRIME;s interaction with its other binding partners. We found that Mint1Y633A increased binding affinity specifically for APP and presenilin1 (catalytic subunit of & gamma;-secretase), that subsequently enhanced APP endocytosis in primary murine neurons. Conversely, Mint1Y549A/F610A exhibited reduced APP affinity and A & beta; secretion. The effect of Mint1Y549A/ F610A on A & beta; release was greater compared to knocking down all three Mint proteins supporting the APP-Mint1 interaction is a critical factor in A & beta; production. Altogether, this study highlights the potential of targeting the APP-Mint1 interaction as a therapeutic strategy for AD.

Automated summary

Mutations in Mint1 protein can modulate its interaction with APP and affect the generation and secretion of Aβ peptides. Enhancing or reducing the binding affinity between Mint1 and APP can regulate the production and release of Aβ peptides, providing a potential therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease.