Two endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/ER Golgi intermediate compartment-based lysine acetyltransferases post-translationally regulate BACE1 levels

J Biol Chem. 2009 Jan 23;284(4):2482-92. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M804901200. Epub 2008 Nov 14.

Abstract

We have recently identified a novel form of post-translational regulation of BACE1 (beta-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme 1), a membrane protein that acts as the rate-limiting enzyme in the generation of the Alzheimer disease amyloid beta-peptide. Specifically, nascent BACE1 is transiently acetylated in seven lysine residues clustered in a highly disordered region of the protein that faces the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/ER Golgi intermediate compartment (ER/ERGIC). The acetylation protects the nascent protein from degradation by PCSK9/NARC-1 in the ERGIC and allows it to reach the Golgi apparatus. Here we report the identification of two ER/ERGIC-based acetyltransferases, ATase1 and ATase2. Both proteins display acetyl-CoA:lysine acetyltransferase activity, can interact with and acetylate BACE1, and display an ER/ERGIC localization with the catalytic site facing the lumen of the organelle. Both ATase1 and ATase2 regulate the steady-state levels of BACE1 and the rate of amyloid beta-peptide generation. Finally, their transcripts are up-regulated by ceramide treatment. In conclusion, our studies have identified two new enzymes that may be involved in the pathogenesis of late-onset Alzheimer disease. The biochemical characterization of the above events could lead to the identification of novel pharmacological strategies for the prevention of this form of dementia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Acetyltransferases / chemistry
  • Acetyltransferases / genetics
  • Acetyltransferases / metabolism*
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / metabolism*
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / metabolism
  • Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases / metabolism*
  • Biocatalysis
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Ceramides / metabolism
  • Down-Regulation
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / enzymology*
  • Golgi Apparatus / enzymology*
  • Humans
  • Isoenzymes / chemistry
  • Isoenzymes / genetics
  • Isoenzymes / metabolism
  • Lysine / metabolism
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational*

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Ceramides
  • Isoenzymes
  • Acetyltransferases
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases
  • Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases
  • BACE1 protein, human
  • Lysine

Associated data

  • RefSeq/NM_003960
  • RefSeq/NM_016347