Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Transcription of DNA is essential for cell maintenance and survival; inappropriate localization of proteins that are involved in transcription would be catastrophic. In Alzheimer's disease brains, and in vitro studies, we have found qualitative and quantitative deficits in transport into the nucleus of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and RNA polymerase II (RNA pol II), accompanied by their abnormal sequestration in the cytoplasm. RAN (RAs-related Nuclear protein) knockdown, by siRNA and oligomeric Aβ42 treatment in neurons, replicate human data which indicate that transport disruption in AD may be mechanistically linked to reduced expression of RAN, a pivotal molecule in nucleocytoplasmic transport. In vitro studies also indicate a significant role for oligomeric Aβ42 in the observed phenomena. We propose a model in which reduced transcription regulators in the nucleus and their increased presence in the cytoplasm may lead to many of the cellular manifestations of Alzheimer's disease.

Original publication

DOI

10.1371/journal.pone.0053349

Type

Journal article

Journal

PLoS One

Publication Date

2013

Volume

8

Keywords

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Alzheimer Disease, Amyloid beta-Peptides, Autopsy, Cell Line, Tumor, Cell Nucleus, Cerebellum, Cytoplasm, DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1, DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases, Female, Gene Expression Regulation, Humans, Limbic System, Male, Peptide Fragments, RNA Polymerase II, RNA, Small Interfering, Signal Transduction, Transcription, Genetic, ran GTP-Binding Protein