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

Publication Year
2002

Type

Journal Article
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.
Journal
FEBS Lett
Volume
518
Issue
1-3
Pages
1-4
Date Published
05/2002
ISSN Number
0014-5793
Alternate Journal
FEBS Lett.
PMID
11997007