PP2A Regulates Tau Phosphorylation Directly and also Indirectly via Activating GSK-3 beta

Qian, Wei; Shi, J; Yin, X; Iqbal, K; Grundke-Iqbal, I; Gong, C; Liu, Fei

HERO ID

1981904

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2010

PMID

20308788

HERO ID 1981904
In Press No
Year 2010
Title PP2A Regulates Tau Phosphorylation Directly and also Indirectly via Activating GSK-3 beta
Authors Qian, Wei; Shi, J; Yin, X; Iqbal, K; Grundke-Iqbal, I; Gong, C; Liu, Fei
Journal Journal of Alzheimer's Disease
Volume 19
Issue 4
Page Numbers 1221-1229
Abstract Abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau appears to be crucial in neurofibrillary degeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Previous studies suggest that a down-regulation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), the major tau phosphatase in human brain, contributes to tau hyperphosphorylation in AD. However, the effects of PP2A down-regulation on site-specific tau hyperphosphorylation is not well understood. In the present study, we showed that PP2A dephosphorylated tau at several phosphorylation sites with different efficiencies. Among the sites studied, Thr205, Thr212, Ser214, and Ser262 were the most favorable sites, and Ser199 and Ser404 were the least favorable sites for PP2A in vitro. Inhibition of PP2A with okadaic acid in metabolically active rat brain slices caused inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3 beta) via an increase in its phosphorylation at Ser9. GSK-3 beta phosphorylated tau at many sites, with Ser199, Thr205, and Ser396 being the most favorable sites in cells. The overall alterations in tau phosphorylation induced by PP2A inhibition were the result of the combined effects of both reduced tau dephosphorylation due to PP2A inhibition directly and reduced phosphorylation by GSK-3 beta due to its inhibition. Because the impacts of tau phosphorylation on its biological activity and on neurofibrillary degeneration are site-specific, this study provides a new insight into the role of PP2A down-regulation in neurofibrillary degeneration in AD.
Doi 10.3233/JAD-2009-1317
Pmid 20308788
Wosid WOS:000276619700012
Url <Go to ISI>://WOS:000276619700012
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Keyword GSK-3 beta; phosphorylation; PP2A; tau