BioMed Research International

Volume 2014 (2014), Article ID 167024, 14 pages

http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/167024

Review Article

Derailed Intraneuronal Signalling Drives Pathogenesis in Sporadic and Familial Alzheimer’s Disease

Tom Van Dooren, Katrien Princen, Koen De Witte, and Gerard Griffioen

reMYND, Gaston Geenslaan 1, 3001 Leuven, Belgium

Received 9 May 2014; Revised 31 July 2014; Accepted 3 August 2014; Published 27 August 2014

Academic Editor: Yiying Zhang

Copyright © 2014 Tom Van Dooren et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract.

Although a wide variety of genetic and nongenetic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk factors have been identified, their role in onset and/or progression of neuronal degeneration remains elusive. Systematic analysis of AD risk factors revealed that perturbations of intraneuronal signalling pathways comprise a common mechanistic denominator in both familial and sporadic AD and that such alterations lead to increases in Aβ oligomers (Aβo) formation and phosphorylation of TAU. Conversely, Aβo and TAU impact intracellular signalling directly. This feature entails binding of Aβo to membrane receptors, whereas TAU functionally interacts with downstream transducers. Accordingly, we postulate a positive feedback mechanism in which AD risk factors or genes trigger perturbations of intraneuronal signalling leading to enhanced Aβo formation and TAU phosphorylation which in turn further derange signalling. Ultimately intraneuronal signalling becomes deregulated to the extent that neuronal function and survival cannot be sustained, whereas the resulting elevated levels of amyloidogenic Aβo and phosphorylated TAU species self-polymerizes into the AD plaques and tangles, respectively.

1. Introduction

Alzheimer’s disease involves a gradual decline of synaptic function which is clinically presented as dementia [1, 2]. AD brains are defined by the presence of two different protein aggregates: plaques and tangles. Plaques are assemblies of extracellularly deposited Aβ peptides predominantly comprising the Aβ40 and the highly amyloidogenic Aβ42 peptides. These peptides are the products of sequential processing of APP (amyloid precursor protein) by BACE1 and γ-secretase [3]. It is generally assumed that in AD homeostasis of Aβ40 and 42 species is altered resulting in increased formation of oligomeric Aβ (Aβo) and subsequent aggregation into plaques. Tangles comprise intracellular assemblies of hyperphosphorylated TAU, a protein which as monomer—among other functions—binds to and stabilizes microtubules [4, 5]. There is high degree of consensus that in AD kinase and/or phosphatase activities are deregulated, resulting in hyperphosphorylation of TAU. TAU then loses its ability to bind to microtubules and consequently acquires a high propensity to oligomerise and further aggregate in tangles [6].

Decades of AD research have culminated in a wealth of data on virtually every aspect of AD etiology and pathogenesis. This has led to detailed insights into the mechanisms of AD, such as APP processing or TAU-phosphorylation, but a coherent picture encompassing AD pathology (i.e., cause/etiology, mechanisms of development, structural changes of neurons, and clinical manifestations) is still in its infancy. This review attempts to contribute to this discussion by proposing mechanisms that may help to design a conceptual framework of AD pathology.

2. Intraneuronal Signaling and Endocytosis Are Dysregulated in AD Leading to Increased Aβo Formation and TAU-Phosphorylation, which in Turn Further Derange Signalling

2.1. Aβ Oligomers Impact Intraneuronal Signalling in Familial AD

Sporadic AD is often phrased as idiopathic to emphasise that the cause of the neuronal degeneration and symptoms is unknown. Although undoubtedly true for individual patients, epidemiological studies have revealed several positive and negative AD risk factors which may hold clues as to the mechanism of AD pathogenesis (Table 1). Remarkably, these risk factors are highly diverse, consisting of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental cues with various degrees of disease penetrance. For instance, ApoE variants and zygosity are either protective against or strongly increase the risk of AD [7]. Ageing, smoking, traumatic brain injury, or metabolic diseases such as diabetes are examples of nongenetic modifiers [8]. In rare familial cases mutations in APP or its processing machinery comprise highly penetrant risk factors which in itself suffices to trigger AD.

Table 1: Sporadic and familial AD risk genes and nongenetic positive risk factors and possible pathogenic mechanisms [8, 132].

Risk factor
Possible mechanism(s)*
References**

A homeostasis
Cellular signaling

Genetic

APP
APP processing
Erk1/2
[61]

PS1
Change in A40/A42 ratio
Wnt-signalling, Erk1/2, Akt, and Ca²⁺ signaling
[61, 64–66, 133]

PS2
APP processing
Erk1/2
[65, 134, 135]

BACE
APP processing
cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling
[68]

ApoE4
Aβ clearance
Erk1/2, JNK
[136–140]

SORLA
APP processing
Neurotrophin signaling
[137, 141, 142]

EPHA1
?
Ephrin signalling (Erk1/2)
[143, 144]

MS4A6A/MS4A4A
?
Signalling
[132]

CD2AP
?
PI3K-Akt-GSK3 (podocytes)
[145]

CLU
Aβ sequestering
Leptin/clusterin signalling; p53-Dkk1-JNK pathway
[146–148]

2-AR
?
PKA, Erk1/2, and JNK
[149, 150]

CD33
Aβ clearance

[151]

PICALM
APP processing
Regulation of receptor-mediated endocytosis?
[152]

BIN1
APP processing
Ca²⁺ dyshomeostasis
[153]

ABCA7
Aβ clearance
?
[154]

Nongenetic

Smoking
?
Erk1/2 activation by oxidative stress
[155, 156]

Obesity
?
Cytokine-induced activation of MAPKs (p38, JNK); leptin signalling
[157–160]

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
APP processing
Activation of MAPKs (Erk1/2, p38, and JNK), Akt, GSK3
[8, 161]

Type II diabetes
?
Insulin signalling, cytokine-induced activation of MAPK’s (p38, JNK)
[158–160, 162]

Stress (hormones)
?
Glucocorticoid-induced activation of Erk1/2, JNK; oxidative stress-induced JNK-dependent APP processing
[163–166]

Anaesthetics

Activation of MAPKs (Erk1/2, JNK)
[167–170]

Ageing
APP processing
Impaired Ca²⁺ dyshomeostasis and signalling, elevated cytokine signalling (“inflammaging”),

impaired mitochondrial function with altered redox signalling (MAPKs, PI3K/Akt)
[171–174]

*Not exhaustive. **Including reviews with original research papers cited.

Irrespective of their nature and origin, at a certain point these risk factors converge to a common mechanism involving synaptic failure, Aβ and TAU pathology, and subsequent neuronal loss. Thus, a key question of understanding AD is not what causes AD, as these are multifactorial and heterogeneous among patients, but how these may converge mechanistically to trigger AD pathology. Once understood, principally every condition impacting this mechanism could be considered as contributing to AD and effective therapeutic options targeting this mechanism could be rationalised for treating AD.

The discovery of genetic risk factors causing early onset AD has been extremely instructive to reveal such common mechanism since in these exceptional cases only one defined cause, namely, altered APP processing, triggers AD providing an relatively “simple” paradigm to investigate pathogenesis. From numerous studies on the mechanism of APP-dependent neurotoxicity, a picture emerges in which Aβo, but not plaques or monomers, comprises prime candidates responsible for synaptic failure, TAU-phosphorylation, and neuronal loss [9–15]. Also the AICD, another APP processing product, may play a role here [16–18]. Aβo has been shown to bind directly to, or modulate indirectly, numerous neuronal receptors [19] implying that these impact synaptic signalling cascades including MAPK, Akt, Wnt, and Rho pathways (summarized in Table 2 with references and Figure 1). It appears that Aβo acts as a nonspecific pathological receptor ligand/agonist, both at the pre- and postsynaptic membrane. In addition, Aβo binds to membranes directly which appear to involve GM1 ganglioside and as such are thought to induce structural and functional changes which may impact Ca²⁺ signalling and synaptic plasticity [20, 21]. A global impact of Aβo on different signalling pathways and their respective signalling components is consistent with the widely held view that kinase and phosphatase activities are imbalanced early on in the pathogenesis in diseased neurons [22], resulting in improper hyperphosphorylation of downstream substrates including TAU [6, 23].

Table 2: Neuronal receptors impacted by Ao [19, 175] and possible effects on downstream signalling pathways.

Receptor
Signal transduction pathway
References*

NMDAR (NR2B subtype)
Erk1/2, CamKIV
[95, 176–182]

mGluR5 (with PrPC)
PKC, MAPKs (Erk1/2, p38, and JNK)
[79]

nAchR (7 subtype)
Erk1/2, Akt, and JAK-STAT
[183, 184]

Wnt receptor
Wnt signalling (GSK3)
[185, 186]

IR/IGF
PI3K-Akt
[176, 187]

Amylin receptor
Erk1/2, PKA
[177]

RAGE
p38
[188]

Neurotrophin receptors
Erk1/2, Akt
[45, 189]

2AR
PKA, Erk1/2, and JNK
[149, 190, 191]

*Including reviews with original research papers cited.

Figure 1: APP, its processing products and TAU are part of an intraneuronal signalling network required for neurogenesis, neuronal function, and survival which go awry in AD. Aβo and AD risk factors modulate receptor mediated intraneuronal signalling and endocytosis which impacts Aβ homeostasis and TAU-phosphorylation. TAU-hyperphosphorylation leads to decreased microtubule binding, somatodendritic redistribution, and altered signalling. Apart from a modulatory role of Aβo, AICD, and phosphorylated TAU on signalling, their formation is also controlled by signalling implying a positive feedback loop which could overtime lead to a dysfunction of signalling cascades underlying synaptic integrity and neuronal survival. High levels of Aβo and hyperphosphorylated-TAU species will, due to their intrinsic amyloidogenic propensity, ultimately aggregate into plaques and tangles. Risk factors which impact these signalling processes, either directly or indirectly (i.e., through impacting Aβo levels), will set off this cascade of events culminating in synaptotoxicity and pathology. Note that the schematic is highly simplified and intended to depict general principles. For a more exhaustive insight into the signalling pathways impacted in AD, see [30]. Abbreviations are as follows: LDLR: low density lipoprotein receptor; IR: insulin receptor; IGF-R: insulin-like growth factor receptor; nACHR: nicotinic acetylcholine receptor; NMDAR: N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor; NGF-R: nerve growth factor receptor; Wnt: Wingless Int; PrPc: cellular prion protein; RAS: rat sarcoma; cAMP: cyclic adenosine monophosphate; PI: phosphoinositides; DAG: 1,2-diacylglycerol; mGluR5: metabotropic glutamate receptor; MAPK: mitogen-activated protein kinase; PI3K: phosphoinositide 3-kinase; NF-κB: nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells; CamKK2: calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase 2; and NFAT: nuclear factor of activated T-cells.

Also APP processing itself is controlled by signal transduction pathways. GPCR’s, like GPR3 and β2-adrenergic, receptors mediate their effects on APP processing through interaction with β-arrestin and γ-secretase [24, 25]. Activation of JNK3 MAPK by Aβo phosphorylates APP at T668, thereby increasing its endocytosis and subsequent processing [26, 27]. Also, Ras-Erk1/2 and PI3K-Akt signalling pathways activate APP-expression [28] or PS1, a subunit of the APP processing machinery [29]. These results suggest that Aβo increases its own formation by modulating APP processing through these signalling pathways (Figure 1).

2.2. Signalling and Endocytosis: Intimate Partners in Crime

Cell signalling and endocytosis are increasingly recognized as intertwined and bidirectionally controlled processes [31–33]. Receptor internalisation by endocytosis is a common response upon ligand binding to desensitize cells. Internalised receptors are shuttled to early endosomes, which act as a sorting station for recycling to the plasma membrane or to the lysosome for degradation. Signal propagation is not restricted to the plasma membrane but (may) continue(s) after internalisation. Endosomes marked with active signalling pathways, referred to as signalling endosomes [34], prolong and even intensify signalling while transported through the cell. To illustrate this, activation of the NGF receptor at the presynaptic membrane transiently activates RAS-Erk1/2 signalling [31, 35]. Upon internalization, signalling is sustained as NGF-receptors remain actively coupled with Erk1/2, however, in this context via RAP1, while being transported to the nucleus in order to phosphorylate substrates such as CREB and Erk5. Another example of a close link between signalling and endocytosis entails Wnt signalling. Here, internalization of activated receptors is required to control GSK3 activity and β-catenin stability [36, 37]. Conversely, signalling controls the endocytic pathway itself by impacting the phospholipid turnover. Increases of PIP3 by activation of PI3K allows (apart from Akt) membrane recruitment of Rho and Arf GEFs and GAPs in turn modulating their respective GTPases involved in vesicular trafficking (among other functions such as cytoskeletal rearrangement) [38].

As discussed above, intracellular signalling is deregulated in AD by risk factors and Aβo and thus inevitably will impact endocytosis. Indeed, sporadic AD is characterised by an abnormal activation of the endocytic pathway, with associated increases in PI3K and RAS signalling and Rab5 levels, and comprises early neuropathological alteration even before Aβ pathology ensues [39–41]. Consistent with its role as a pathological receptor ligand, Aβo also increases internalisation of receptors by endocytosis [42–44]. An even more general effect on the endocytic pathway is expected by Aβo triggered receptor-mediated activation of phospholipid signalling through neurotrophin or insulin signalling pathways [45–48]. Likewise, stress-activated p38 MAPK, a kinase activated in AD, stimulates Rab5 which leads to acceleration of endocytosis [49].

Note that AICD, another APP processing product, activates signalling through interaction with Shc and Grb2, adaptor proteins that link with Ras/Erk1/2 and PI3K/Akt pathways (reviewed in [18]) and (perhaps as a consequence) trigger endocytic dysfunction [16]. In addition, GSK3 is also increased by AICD through inhibition of Wnt signalling [50]. Thus, apart from Aβo, other APP processing products also impact signalling and endocytosis in AD and may therefore, at least in part, contribute to the development of AD pathology independently of Aβ [17].

As BACE1 and γ-secretase are localised at endosomes, amyloidogenic, neurotoxic processing of APP requires endocytosis [51–54] and is controlled by vesicular trafficking [55]. Conditions that alter the residence time and/or levels of APP or its processing enzymes at the endocytic compartment impact Aβ production or clearance accordingly [55–58]. For instance, Arf6, a small GTPase controlled by phospholipid signalling, mediates endosomal sorting of BACE1 and thereby APP processing [59]. Or the already abovementioned JNK-driven phosphorylation of APP at T668 facilitates its endocytosis and processing [27]. Similarly, ApoE receptors facilitate the internalization of APP to the endosomal compartment [60].

Taken together, the processing of APP is controlled by signalling pathways which impact expression and endocytic localisation of APP and its processing machinery. Thus, aberrant activation of pathways that increase endocytic APP levels also allows more processing and hence elevates Aβo and AICD formation. This model implies a positive feedback loop as APP processing itself is activated by its own products through signalling (Figure 1). In this way, subtle genetic or nongenetic AD risk factors which lead to relatively small perturbations of signal transduction pathways could, if unchecked, trigger over time a large buildup of Aβo/AICD and thus amplify these subtle alterations into large derangements of signalling and associated endocytosis.

2.3. Derailed Intraneuronal Signalling Is a Common Denominator in Sporadic and Familial AD

As discussed above, in familial AD increased formation of Aβo impacts receptor-mediated signalling. In addition, APP, its processing machinery, and the AICD impact signalling independent of Aβ formation (reviewed in [61]). For instance, PS1, a subunit of the γ-secretase complex, cleaves numerous transmembrane signalling receptors and transducers other than APP CTFs, including Notch, cadherins, ErbB4, LDL receptor related proteins, and so forth [62, 63]. In addition, PS1 and PS2 impact signalling pathways directly. Deletion of PS1 and/or PS2 activates Erk1/2 activity in cell line models, whereas an early onset FAD mutation in PS1 results in constitute activation of CREB-phosphorylation which is associated with neurodegeneration [64–67] and BACE1 regulates the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway independent of Aβ [68]. Thus, APP and components of its processing machinery impact neuronal signalling pathways independent of APP processing. Hence, FAD mutations can modulate signalling in potentially two ways: through elevated Aβo formation via abnormal APP processing and/or independently of Aβ through altered interactions with signalling pathways. Perhaps through these combined effects on signalling such mutations represent particularly aggressive and penetrant forms of AD.

Considering that signalling and associated endocytosis is abnormal in FAD, it begs the question how this relates to sporadic AD. As amyloidogenic processing of APP is controlled by signalling and endocytosis, it is highly relevant to observe that AD risk factors, although very heterogeneous, have common mechanistic underpinnings by impacting intracellular signal transduction pathways (summarized in Table 1). For example, ApoE4 and traumatic brain injury, two entirely unrelated AD risk factors, both directly activate common signalling pathways (such as Erk1/2). In fact, for most nongenetic AD risk factors no direct impact on Aβ homeostasis can be hypothesized but involve altered signalling. Metabolic disorders like obesity or diabetes are associated with high levels of cytokines which activate AD relevant pathways in neurons. Likewise, glucocorticoids produced under conditions of chronic stress impact AD relevant signalling cascades in their own right. AD risk factors, such as stroke or head injury involve glutamate receptor-mediated excitotoxicity and impact Ca²⁺ signalling in a way which mechanistically resembles Aβo-instigated activation of Erk1/2 by NMDA receptors. Ageing, the most prominent risk factor for AD, involves, apart from the abovementioned risk factors, altered redox signalling as a result of age-related decline of mitochondrial activity with concomitant increases in ROS production.

In summary, a common denominator in both FAD and sporadic AD comprises perturbation of intraneuronal signalling with associated changes in the endocytic pathway. As outlined above this may result in a vicious, self-enforcing cycle of deranged signalling and Aβ production driving the pathogenesis (Figure 1). In early onset FAD, this autocatalytic mechanism is directly and potently impacted by mutations in APP or its processing machinery. In late onset and sporadic AD initial, probably relatively minor, alterations of signalling by one or more AD risk factors may overtime set off this mechanism which once in motion drives AD pathogenesis.

This scenario resembles a domino system where tumbling of the stones (deranged signalling) is both cause and effect (autocatalytic effect), yet in order to let it happen a “risk factor” such as a sufficiently strong push, windfall, or vibration, is required to set off the cascade. To extent the metaphor further, FAD mutations could be seen as alterations of the core autocatalytic mechanism itself, for instance, as thinner domino stones, which make the system more unstable and thus more sensitive to risk factors. The opposite may be true for “protective” APP mutations (thicker stones, more resilient to risk factors) like the recently discovered Icelandic mutation which decreases APP processing [69].

From this perspective it can be envisaged that AD risk factors comprise a patient-specific constellation which determine the onset and progression of altered signalling and consequently AD pathogenesis. By extension any genetic, environmental, pharmacological, or lifestyle factor impacting this mechanism can, depending on the direction of the effect, be considered as a positive or negative AD risk factor.

2.4. A Signalling Function of Phosphorylated TAU Contributes to AD Pathogenesis

Besides Aβ polymerization and deposition into plaques, hyperphosphorylation and aggregation of TAU into intracellular tangles are other pathological features of AD. The identification of clinical mutations in TAU leading to FTLD strongly suggests that TAU in AD has an important role in pathogenesis [70–72]. Consistent with this notion, in many experimental paradigms a TAU-dependent neuronal degeneration was observed [23]. However, a key question remains as to the mechanism involved especially in relation to changes in signalling and Aβ homeostasis.

A study in transgenic APP mice, a model of early onset AD without TAU-tangle formation, revealed that deletion of the endogenous TAU mouse gene rescues cognitive decline without impacting plaque formation [73]. These findings position TAU as a downstream mediator required for APP-instigated neuronal toxicity, a feature not involving a loss-of-function (i.e., decreased microtubule stabilization), but a gain-of-toxic function which, however, does not involve TAU tangles [74]. Instead it was shown that TAU regulates postsynaptic NMDAR signalling directly by a mechanism involving recruitment of Src kinase Fyn to the PSD95-NMDA receptor complex [75, 76]. Combined with the observation that, like deletion of TAU, lowering of NMDAR-Erk1/2 signalling rescues APP-driven toxicity [75, 77] it appears that in AD such TAU function potentiates NMDA receptor signalling [76, 78]. Likewise, Aβo activation of the mGluR5 receptor through may also involve Fyn-TAU interaction [26, 79]. In other words TAU has, besides its well-known function in binding and stabilizing microtubules, a role in intracellular signalling. This raises the distinct possibility that when TAU’s signalling activity goes awry it may contribute to AD pathogenesis.

Albeit TAU’s signalling function is a somewhat neglected feature, a far more general role of TAU in signalling (apart from impacting NMDA receptors) can be considered. Table 3 shows numerous TAU interactors which are transducers of receptor-mediated signalling implying that TAU can modify their activity through these interactions. These interactors function in a variety of pathways both pre- and postsynaptically. Indeed, apart from impacting postsynaptic NMDA receptor activity, TAU activates presynaptic growth factor signalling through interaction with Src family kinases [80–82] or phospholipid signalling by activation of PLCγ [83] and would provide a mechanistic explanation as to the role of TAU in neurite outgrowth [84, 85] and cell cycle reentry [86, 87] in cell line models.

Table 3: Binding partners of TAU (modified from [4, 192]).

Binding partner
Region of TAU involved
Function/identity of binding partner
References

-tubulin
Repeat domains
Cytoskeleton
[193]

F-actin

Cytoskeleton
[194]

ApoE3
Repeat domains
Lipid carrier
[195, 196]

Fgr
Proline-rich domain
Src kinase family
[89]

Fyn
Proline-rich domain
Src kinase family
[82, 89]

Lck
Proline-rich domain
Src kinase family
[82, 89]

cSrc
Proline-rich domain
Src kinase family
[82, 89]

Grb2
Proline-rich domain
Growth factor signalling
[89]

c-Abl

Src kinase family
[197]

p85
Proline-rich domain
Regulator PI3K, phospholipid signalling
[89]

PLCγ

Phospholipid signalling
[89, 198]

GSK3
N-terminal
Kinase
[199]

Calmodulin
Repeat domain
Ca²⁺ signalling
[200, 201]

14-3-3
Proline-rich domain and repeat domain
Signalling scaffold
[202–204]

Annexin A2

Ca²⁺ signalling, membrane trafficking
[205]

Pin1
Proline-rich domain
Peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase regulates phosphorylation of TAU
[206, 207]

From Table 3 it can also be appreciated that many interactors through their SH3 domains bind to the proline-rich domain (PRD) of TAU. Notably, TAU PRD is hyperphosphorylated in AD suggesting that these interactions are controlled by TAU-phosphorylation (and indirectly the relevant signalling cascades). Quantifying the TAU-SH3 interaction by surface plasmon resonance and sedimentation assays indicated this may indeed be the case [88, 89]. Phosphorylation-mimicking mutations of TAU were shown to increase or decrease (depending on the TAU-isoform) the affinity to Fyn or Src SH3 domains, consistent with the requirement of TAU-phosphorylation for regulation of NGF-RAS-Erk1/2 signalling [80]. Moreover, clinical FTLD-causing TAU-mutations were found to strongly increase the affinity to SH3, that is, phenocopying the effects of hyperphosphorylation [88]. Thus, these mutations could directly impact signalling, similar as in AD, which may contribute to neuronal degeneration. In fact, it may provide an explanation as to the mechanism of FTLD mutations in TAU which do not impact its aggregation propensity [90] such as R406W [91–94], which possesses an increased affinity to Fyn-SH3 of about 45 times [88]. Collectively, it seems possible that deregulation of signalling by hyperphosphorylated TAU constitutes a toxic gain-of-function of TAU driving pathogenesis in AD (Figure 1).

2.5. Deregulated Signalling by Aβo or Other AD Risk Factors Triggers TAU-Hyperphosphorylation

An important question however remains as to how TAU becomes hyperphosphorylated in the first place. The facts that TAU is a substrate of many of the kinases operating in the pathways modulated by Aβo (Table 2) or by AD risk factors or genes (Table 1) and that TAU is phosphorylated by neurons challenged with Aβo or other stresses/conditions [95–98], provide a mechanistic explanation as to TAU hyperphosphorylation in AD [5, 23, 99, 100]. Once phosphorylated, TAU may impact intracellular signalling further implying a positive feedback mechanism such as that proposed for TAU-potentiated NGF-Erk1/2 activation [80] and/or by recruitment of Fyn to NMDA receptors [75].

Another salient feature entails the somatodendritic redistribution of TAU in diseased neurons, a prerequisite for impacting postsynaptic signalling. This feature of TAU is controlled by phosphorylation of microtubule binding repeat domains which strongly reduces its affinity to microtubules [101]. Hyperphosphorylation of TAU (and presumably detachment from microtubules) is a prerequisite—by an as yet unclear mechanism—to cross an axonal diffusion barrier allowing TAU to invade the somatodendritic space [102]. Phosphorylation of TAU at the repeat domains, in particular Ser262, is required to elicit Aβ-instigated neurotoxicity [95, 103, 104], indicating that detachment from microtubules entails an important feature of AD pathogenesis. Moreover, Ser262 is one of the earliest sites phosphorylated in the course of pathogenesis [22] and its phosphorylation acts as a priming site for further, more extensive phosphorylation at sites that may control its signalling function [105]. These results indicate a sequential mechanism of TAU-phosphorylation by Aβo and other AD risk factors affecting its subcellular distribution and signalling.

Collectively TAU-phosphorylation comprises a gain-of-toxic function driving AD pathogenesis. Activation of signalling pathways by Aβo and/or by other triggers (see Table 1) leads to hyperphosphorylation of TAU which subsequently decreases its microtubule binding and alters its somatodendritic redistribution and signalling function. These effects may be amplified by a feedback mechanism as formation of Aβo and phosphorylated TAU not only control but are also controlled by signalling (Figure 1). The resulting deregulation of intraneuronal signalling contribute to neurodegeneration (see below), whereas the elevated levels of Aβo and phosphorylated TAU, which have a high propensity to aggregate, lead to Aβ plaques and TAU tangles.

3. Considerations on the Mechanism of Altered Signalling in Neurodegeneration

3.1. Intraneuronal Signalling Defines Fate and Function of a Neuron for Better and for Worse

As discussed above deregulation of signalling may drive the neuronal degeneration in AD. The question, however, remains as to how mechanistically “deregulation” of pathways lead to neuronal degeneration. Neuronal function and survival depend on a balance between neurotrophic and neurotoxic cues setting off signalling cascades which define the outcome ranging from proliferation, differentiation, synaptic plasticity to apoptosis. A classical example entails growth factor signalling which sustains neuronal survival and can trigger differentiation or even antagonize the effects of toxic insults, whereas neurons without sufficient trophic support are prone to undergo apoptosis, as it occurs in a developing nervous system [106, 107]. Thus, properly regulated and balanced signalling, in function of its developmental state, defines fate and function of a neuron [108]. Accordingly, pathological conditions, such as in AD, which off-balance signalling are expected to decrease neuronal integrity.

The underlying mechanisms of how signalling leads to altered neuronal function are poorly understood but extensive work on Erk1/2 signalling revealed insights which may be applicable to other neuronal signalling pathways as well [109]. Erk1/2 signalling is particularly relevant for AD since its aberrant activation is an important driver of neurodegeneration [109, 110]. Erk1/2 kinases are responsive to a wide variety of functional (learning and memory), trophic, and pathogenic stimuli leading to different, even opposing, outcomes including survival, proliferation, differentiation, and neuronal cell death [110–112]. Thus, the signal as such is not predictive of the outcome and additional layers of control exist to determine specificity of Erk1/2 activation. Compartmentalization is a prominent mechanism to ensure specificity as it directs and concentrates the kinase (or sometimes the whole signalling pathway) to appropriate substrates within the cell [113]. This remarkable feature involves several scaffold, anchor, and retention factors which bind to Erk1/2 and often also other signalling molecules determining its subcellular action and allowing crosstalk with other pathways [113].

Localisation of Erk1/2 to specify its output is in part controlled by the kinetics of the signal (reviewed in [114, 115]). During transient activation, Erk1/2 remains predominantly cytoplasmic promoting proliferation, whereas its sustained activation is needed for nuclear concentration and results in differentiation. Chronic stress causes prolonged Erk1/2 activation in the nucleus which contributes to cell death [109, 116]. Thus, the widely different outcomes of Erk1/2 signalling depends, at least in part, on its kinetics as it dictates its subcellular localisation and as such specifies accessibility of substrates (reviewed in [113, 115]). In several model systems, sustained Erk1/2 activation involves a nuclear accumulation which is associated with detrimental outcomes [116–120]. For instance, neurons challenged with stress trigger a persistent nuclear retention of activated Erk1/2 and elicit proapoptotic effects and cell death [109, 116]. Accordingly, it seems likely that the chronic activation of Erk1/2 in AD, presumably by Aβo and possibly other risk factors (see Tables 1 and 2), leads to an aberrant, prolonged nuclear accumulation contributing to neuronal demise.

3.2. Diseased Neurons in AD Display Signalling Configured for Immature Neurons

The insights obtained from the studies on Erk1/2 revealed that spatiotemporal control of Erk1/2 signalling determines its impact on neuronal function and survival [109] and as such provide a conceptual framework of the underlying mechanisms as to how derailed Erk1/2 signalling contributes to neuronal degeneration in AD. We anticipate that this concept is likely applicable to other signalling pathways as well.

In fact hyperphosphorylation of TAU in AD can be considered a reflection of such global deregulation of signalling in adult neurons [6] and illustrates how this may lead to inappropriate outcomes in function of the developmental state. As outlined above, hyperphosphorylation of TAU may lead to increased microtubule dynamics and the potentiating of pathways (such as Erk1/2) resulting in aberrant cell cycle entry and apoptosis. Such functional outcomes are expected to be detrimental in mature, postmitotic neurons of the adult brain. However, in a developing brain hyperphosphorylated TAU is fully appropriate as, in this context, neurons require dynamic microtubules to mediate sufficient synaptic plasticity, proliferation, and differentiation but also susceptibility to undergo apoptosis when trophic support by target cells is insufficient [108]. In other words, neuronal signalling in AD involving TAU-hyperphosphorylation appears to be geared to a situation resembling an immature brain.

Perhaps, a similar situation may apply for APP and its processing as well, given the neurotrophic properties of APP and its cleavage products [121]. Addition of APP to PC12 cells stimulates neurite outgrowth [122], whereas in transgenic mice expression of human APP results in increased neurogenesis [123, 124]. Moreover, the AICD promotes signalling associated with neurite outgrowth [18, 50], and secreted sAPPα impacts proliferation of embryonic stem cells [125]. Remarkably, at low concentration, Aβ has neurotrophic activity but only in undifferentiated neurons but is toxic to mature neurons [126–129]. Thus, APP and its processing products may have a role in proliferation and differentiation, functions that are particularly relevant in a developing brain, but, when unchecked, toxic to mature neurons.

Collectively it can be envisaged that APP, its processing products, and TAU are part of an intraneuronal signalling network required for neurogenesis, neuronal function, and survival which needs to be appropriately tuned to the developmental status. Accordingly, pathological conditions or risk factors which off-balance such signalling network to a state resembling immature neurons will be detrimental for mature neurons.

3.3. Considerations on Drug Discovery for Alzheimer’s Disease

As discussed above aberrant activation of signalling cascades underlies mechanistically neurodegeneration in AD. As such it may provide a conceptual framework for successful drug discovery as it assumes that interventions aimed at normalizing signalling are expected to be neuroprotective, to reduce Aβ levels and TAU-phosphorylation and consequently plaque and tangle formation. In this way a fundamental mechanism driving pathogenesis in AD will be targeted and thus anticipates the minimum to preserve the function of still healthy neurons in the diseased brain and possibly may even restore dysfunctional synaptic activity of affected, but still living, neurons in symptomatic patients. However, given the multitude of pathways involved and considering their important neuronal functions, pharmacological modulation of one, specific target safely to achieve that goal will be a major challenge. Another confounding factor comprises the heterogeneity of sporadic patients, presumably reflected by the heterogeneity of risk factors each with their specific effects on the nature and effect size of the signalling pathways.

Aβ-directed therapeutic approaches to reduce Aβ levels have been and are still heavily explored and are expected to normalize signalling, at least to some extent, and thus have therapeutic potential. However, a possible downside may be that in symptomatic patients TAU-hyperphosphorylation has kicked in already to a level able to derange signalling and neuronal function in a feed forward fashion independent of Aβo (from that point on perhaps mechanistically similar to how clinical TAU mutations in FTLD lead to neurodegeneration). Thus, such approach would be most successful in a preventive setup very early in the development of AD. Another consideration is that the therapeutic intervention itself should not inadvertently impact neuronal signalling for the worse. For instance, inhibiting γ-secretase will, on one hand, lead to lowered Aβo levels and most likely to cognitive improvement in transgenic APP mouse models of familial AD but on the other hand may also impact signalling pathways (such as increased Erk1/2 activity [65]), independent of APP processing, which may impair a therapeutic response in sporadic AD patients. Likewise inhibition of CDK5, a prominent TAU-kinase and considered an attractive drug target for AD [130], may lead to sustained Erk1/2 activity and consequently neuronal apoptosis [131].

Nevertheless, promising drug targets to be considered for therapeutic intervention comprise components of signalling pathways impacted in AD [6, 130] although there is a risk—given the overall deregulation of signalling—that downregulation of only one kinase (or pathway) might be too limited to result in a satisfying therapeutic response. From this perspective, an interesting point of intervention may comprise the convergence where receptors relay their environmental cues to second messengers such as Ca²⁺ and/or small GTPases modules (Figure 1). Downregulating, but not fully inhibiting, the activity of such relay systems may lead to a more global normalization of signalling in AD and thus may constitute a promising therapeutic avenue.

Conflict of Interests

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper.

Acknowledgments

The authors are indebted to Dick Terwel and Michael Dumbacher for critically reading the manuscript.

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