Functional gamma-secretase complex assembly in Golgi/trans-Golgi network: interactions among presenilin, nicastrin, Aph1, Pen-2, and gamma-secretase substrates

Neurobiol Dis. 2003 Nov;14(2):194-204. doi: 10.1016/s0969-9961(03)00123-2.

Abstract

Gamma-secretase is a proteolytic complex whose substrates include Notch, beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP), and several other type I transmembrane proteins. Presenilin (PS) and nicastrin are known components of this high-molecular-weight complex, and recent genetic screens in invertebrates have identified two additional gene products, Aph1 and Pen-2, as key factors in gamma-secretase activity. Here, we examined the interaction of the components of the gamma-secretase complex in Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing human forms of APP, PS1, Aph1, and Pen-2. Subcellular fractionation of membrane vesicles and subsequent coimmunoprecipitation of individual gamma-secretase components revealed that interactions among all proteins occurred in the Golgi/trans-Golgi network (TGN) compartments. Furthermore, incubation of the Golgi/TGN-enriched vesicles resulted in de novo generation of amyloid beta-protein and APP intracellular domain. Immunofluorescent staining of the individual gamma-secretase components supported our biochemical evidence that the gamma-secretase components assemble into the proteolytically active gamma-secretase complex in the Golgi/TGN compartment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases
  • Animals
  • Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases
  • CHO Cells
  • Cricetinae
  • Endopeptidases / biosynthesis
  • Endopeptidases / metabolism*
  • Endopeptidases / physiology
  • Humans
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / biosynthesis
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism*
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / physiology
  • Membrane Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Membrane Proteins / physiology
  • Peptide Hydrolases
  • Presenilin-1
  • trans-Golgi Network / chemistry
  • trans-Golgi Network / metabolism*
  • trans-Golgi Network / physiology

Substances

  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • PSEN1 protein, human
  • PSENEN protein, human
  • Presenilin-1
  • nicastrin protein
  • APH1A protein, human
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases
  • Endopeptidases
  • Peptide Hydrolases
  • Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases
  • BACE1 protein, human