In situ generation of Aβ42 oligomers via secondary nucleation triggers neurite degeneration and synaptic dysfunction in human iPSC-derived glutamatergic neurons

Abstract

The aggregation of A{beta}42 into misfolded oligomers is a central event in the pathogenesis of Alzheimers disease. In this study, we aimed to develop a robust experimental system that recapitulates A{beta}42 oligomerization in living cells to gain insight into their neurotoxicity and to provide a platform to characterize the effects of inhibitors of this process. Our strategy is based on the in situ generation of A{beta}42 oligomers via secondary nucleation by repeatedly treating the cells with A{beta}42 monomers in the presence of pre-formed A{beta}42 fibrils. This approach enables an accurate control over the levels of on-pathway soluble A{beta}42 oligomers and cell-associated aggregates, as well as the study of their neurotoxic effects. By implementing this approach in human glutamatergic neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), we were able to replicate key aspects of Alzheimers disease, including neurite degeneration and synaptic dysfunction. Using BRICHOS, a molecular chaperone that specifically inhibits secondary nucleation, we confirmed that aggregation in this system occurs through secondary nucleation, and that quantitative parameters for comparing potential A{beta}42 aggregation inhibitors can be obtained. Overall, our results demonstrate that by in situ generation of on-pathway A{beta}42 oligomers, one can obtain translational cellular models of AD to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical applications.