Drosophila Eye Model to Study Neuroprotective Role of CREB Binding Protein (CBP) in Alzheimer's Disease.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The progressive neurodegenerative disorder Alzheimer's disease (AD) manifests as loss of cognitive functions, and finally leads to death of the affected individual. AD may result from accumulation of amyloid plaques. These amyloid plaques comprising of amyloid-beta 42 (Aß42) polypeptides results from the improper cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the brain. The Aß42 plaques have been shown to disrupt the normal cellular processes and thereby trigger abnormal signaling which results in the death of neurons. However, the molecular-genetic mechanism(s) responsible for Aß42 mediated neurodegeneration is yet to be fully understood. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We have utilized Gal4/UAS system to develop a transgenic fruit fly model for Aß42 mediated neurodegeneration. Targeted misexpression of human Aß42 in the differentiating photoreceptor neurons of the developing eye of transgenic fly triggers neurodegeneration. This progressive neurodegenerative phenotype resembles Alzheimer's like neuropathology. We identified a histone acetylase, CREB Binding Protein (CBP), as a genetic modifier of Aß42 mediated neurodegeneration. Targeted misexpression of CBP along with Aß42 in the differentiating retina can significantly rescue neurodegeneration. We found that gain-of-function of CBP rescues Aß42 mediated neurodegeneration by blocking cell death. Misexpression of Aß42 affects the targeting of axons from retina to the brain but misexpression of full length CBP along with Aß42 can restore this defect. The CBP protein has multiple domains and is known to interact with many different proteins. Our structure function analysis using truncated constructs lacking one or more domains of CBP protein, in transgenic flies revealed that Bromo, HAT and polyglutamine (BHQ) domains together are required for the neuroprotective function of CBP. This BHQ domain of CBP has not been attributed to promote survival in any other neurodegenerative disorders. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We have identified CBP as a genetic modifier of Aß42 mediated neurodegeneration. Furthermore, we have identified BHQ domain of CBP is responsible for its neuroprotective function. These studies may have significant bearing on our understanding of genetic basis of AD.