G-protein coupled purinergic P2Y12 receptor interacts and internalizes TauRD-mediated by membrane-associated actin cytoskeleton remodeling in microglia

In Alzheimer's disease, the microtubule-associated protein, Tau misfolds to form aggregates and filaments in the intra- and extracellular region of neuronal cells. Microglial cells are the resident brain macrophage cells involved in constant surveillance and activated by the extracellular deposits. Purinergic receptors are involved in the chemotactic migration of microglial cells towards the site of inflammation. From our recent study, we have observed that the microglial P2Y12 receptor is involved in phagocytosis of full-length Tau species such as monomers, oligomers and aggregates by actin-driven chemotaxis. This study shows the interaction of repeat-domain of Tau (Tau(RD)) with the microglial P2Y12 receptor and the corresponding residues for interaction have been analysed by various in-silico approaches. In the cellular studies, Tau(RD) was found to interact with microglial P2Y12R and induces its cellular expression confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation and western blot analysis. Furthermore, the P2Y12R-mediated Tau(RD) internalization has demonstrated activation of microglia with an increase in the Iba1 level, and Tau(RD) becomes accumulated at the peri-nuclear region for the degradation. Similarly, immunofluorescence microscopic studies emphasized that Tau(RD) is phagocytosed by microglial P2Y12R via the membrane-associated actin remodeling as filopodia extension. Upon internalization, we have demonstrated the P2Y12R signaling-mediated degradation of accumulated Tau(RD) by lysosomal pathway. Altogether, microglial P2Y12R interacts with Tau(RD) and mediates directed migration and activation for its internalization and degradation.

Automated summary

In Alzheimer's disease, Tau protein misfolds and forms aggregates in neuronal cells. Microglial cells can phagocytose Tau protein by interacting with the P2Y12 receptor. The repeat-domain of Tau interacts with the microglial P2Y12 receptor, leading to internalization and degradation of Tau protein.