Loss of Polo ameliorates APP-induced Alzheimer's disease-like symptoms in Drosophila

Sci Rep. 2015 Nov 24:5:16816. doi: 10.1038/srep16816.

Abstract

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Despite extensive studies, little is known about the regulation of APP's functions in vivo. Here we report that expression of human APP in Drosophila, in the same temporal-spatial pattern as its homolog APPL, induced morphological defects in wings and larval NMJ, larva and adult locomotion dysfunctions, male choice disorder and lifespan shortening. To identify additional genes that modulate APP functions, we performed a genetic screen and found that loss of Polo, a key regulator of cell cycle, partially suppressed APP-induced morphological and behavioral defects in larval and adult stages. Finally, we showed that eye-specific expression of APP induced retina degeneration and cell cycle re-entry, both phenotypes were mildly ameliorated by loss of Polo. These results suggest Polo is an important in vivo regulator of the pathological functions of APP, and provide insight into the role of cell cycle re-entry in AD pathogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / enzymology*
  • Alzheimer Disease / genetics
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics*
  • Drosophila Proteins / metabolism
  • Drosophila melanogaster
  • Female
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • Humans
  • Larva / enzymology
  • Locomotion
  • Male
  • Neuromuscular Junction / metabolism
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics*
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • polo protein, Drosophila
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases