title: Agrin binds to beta-amyloid (Abeta), accelerates abeta fibril formation, and is localized to Abeta deposits in Alzheimer's disease brain.
abstract: Agrin is an extracellular matrix heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) well known for its role in modulation of the neuromuscular junction during development. Although agrin is one of the major HSPGs of the brain, its function there remains elusive. Here we provide evidence suggesting a possible function for agrin in Alzheimer's disease brain. Agrin protein binds the amyloidogenic peptide Abeta (1-40) in its fibrillar state via a mechanism that involves the heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan chains of agrin. Furthermore, agrin is able to accelerate Abeta fibril formation and protect Abeta (1-40) from proteolysis, in vitro. Supporting a biological significance for these in vitro data, immunocytochemical studies demonstrate agrin's presence within senile plaques and cerebrovascular amyloid deposits, and agrin immunostained capillaries exhibit pathological alterations in AD brain. These data therefore suggest that agrin may be an important factor in the progression of Abeta peptide aggregation and/or its persistence in Alzheimer's disease brain.
authors.affiliation: Neurobiotechnology Center and, Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, 1060 Carmack Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Cotman
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Halfter
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Cole
mesh_terms: D018171:Agrin / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000473:pathology*; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D020894:Microfibrils / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008959:Models, Neurological; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D058225:Plaque, Amyloid / Q000473:pathology; D011485:Protein Binding
chemical_list: D018171:Agrin; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides; D010446:Peptide Fragments; C078592:amyloid beta-protein (1-40)