Induction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP3, MMP12 and MMP13) expression in the microglia by amyloid-P stimulation via the PI3K/Akt pathway

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the presence of senile plaques in the brain composed primarily of amyloid-P peptide. Microglia have been reported to surround these A beta plaques, which have opposite roles, provoking a microglia-mediated inflammatory response that contributes to neuronal cell loss or the removal of A beta and damaged neurons. We herein analyzed the process of expression of Matrix metalloproteinases induced by A beta stimulation. We found that A beta 1-42 induces a high level of MMP3, MMP12 and MMP13 in the microglia. The signal transduction pathway for the expression of these MMPs mRNA induced by A beta 1-42 depends on PI3K/Akt. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.