APP, GDNF and neuromuscular junction

What is it about?

Besides its crucial role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease, the knowledge of amyloid pre- cursor protein (APP) physiologic functions remains sur- prisingly scarce. Here, we show that APP regulates the transcription of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). APP-dependent regulation of GDNF expres- sion affects muscle strength, muscular trophy, and both neuronal and muscular differentiation fundamental for neuromuscular junction (NMJ) maturation. These findings highlight for the first time that APP-dependent GDNF expression drives the process ofNMJ formation, providing new insights into the link between APP gene regulatory network and physi- ologic functions

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Why is it important?

These findings highlight for the first time that APP-dependent GDNF expression drives the process of NMJ formation, providing new insights into the link between APP gene regulatory network and physi- ologic functions