Pulse-Chase Proteomics of the App Knockin Mouse Models of Alzheimer's Disease Reveals that Synaptic Dysfunction Originates in Presynaptic Terminals

Compromised protein homeostasis underlies accumulation of plaques and tangles in Alzheimer's disease (AD). To observe protein turnover at early stages of amyloid beta (Ab) proteotoxicity, we performed pulsechase proteomics on mouse brains in three genetic models of AD that knock in alleles of amyloid precursor protein (APP) prior to the accumulation of plaques and during disease progression. At initial stages of Ab accumulation, the turnover of proteins associated with presynaptic terminals is selectively impaired. Presynaptic proteins with impaired turnover, particularly synaptic vesicle (SV)-associated proteins, have elevated levels, misfold in both a plaque-dependent and -independent manner, and interact with APP and Ab. Concurrent with elevated levels of SV-associated proteins, we found an enlargement of the SV pool as well as enhancement of presynaptic potentiation. Together, our findings reveal that the presynaptic terminal is particularly vulnerable and represents a critical site for manifestation of initial AD etiology. A record of this paper's transparent peer review process is included in the Supplemental Information.Y

Automated summary

Protein turnover impairment at presynaptic terminals, particularly with synaptic vesicle-associated proteins, is observed at early stages of Alzheimer's disease. These impaired proteins interact with APP and Ab, leading to vulnerability of presynaptic terminals and manifestation of initial AD etiology.