Protein phosphatase 2A methylation: a link between elevated plasma homocysteine and Alzheimer's Disease

FEBS Lett. 2002 May 8;518(1-3):1-4. doi: 10.1016/s0014-5793(02)02702-3.

Abstract

Tau hyperphosphorylation is a central event in the development of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) heterotrimer formation is necessary for efficient dephosphorylation of the tau protein. S-Adenosylmethionine-dependent carboxyl methylation is essential for the assembly of PP2A heterotrimers. Epidemiological evidence indicates that elevated plasma homocysteine is an independent risk factor for AD. Homocysteine is a key intermediate in the methyl cycle and elevated plasma homocysteine results in a global decrease in cellular methylation. We propose that the PP2A methylation system is the link relating elevated plasma homocysteine to AD.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / blood
  • Alzheimer Disease / enzymology
  • Alzheimer Disease / etiology*
  • Homocysteine / blood*
  • Humans
  • Methylation
  • Models, Biological*
  • Phosphoprotein Phosphatases / metabolism*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Phosphatase 2
  • Risk Factors
  • tau Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • tau Proteins
  • Homocysteine
  • Phosphoprotein Phosphatases
  • Protein Phosphatase 2