Role of selenoprotein P in Alzheimer's disease.
BACKGROUND
Selenoprotein P (SelP) plays a critical role in neuronal survival and is associated with Alzheimer's pathology. We sought to determine a potential neuroprotective role for SelP in Alzheimer's disease.


METHODS
We utilized RNAi to reduce SelP expression in neuronal N2A cells, and determined cell viability with flow cytometry. We subsequently measured neurotoxicity from exposure of aggregated amyloid beta (Abeta) peptides to SelP-knockdown and control N2A cells.


RESULTS
We found that knockdown of SelP using siRNA in N2A cells reduced viability and increased apoptotic cell death. Additionally, knockdown of SelP using siRNA in N2A cells resulted in increased AB toxicity.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings demonstrate that SelP protects neuronal cells from Abeta-induced toxicity, suggesting a neuroprotective role for SelP in preventing neurodegenerative disorders.
Cell and Molecular Biology Department, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA.
Andrea S
AS
Takemoto
Marla J
MJ
Berry
Frederick P
FP
Bellinger
D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides / Q000378:metabolism; D016923:Cell Death / Q000502:physiology; D015870:Gene Expression; D055785:Gene Knockdown Techniques; D006801:Humans; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000502:physiology*; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000235:genetics; D051149:Selenoprotein P / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D014162:Transfection
D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D051149:Selenoprotein P