Mitochondrial TXN2 attenuates amyloidogenesis via selective inhibition of BACE1 expression

Thioredoxin‐2 (TXN2) is a mitochondrial protein and represents one of the intrinsic antioxidant enzymes. It has long been recognized that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We hypothesized that mitochondrial TXN2 might play a role in AD‐like pathology. In this study, we found that in SH‐SY5Y and HEK cells stably express full‐length human amyloid‐β precursor protein (HEK‐APP), TXN2 silencing or over‐expression selectively increased or decreased the transcription of beta‐site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), respectively, without altering the protein levels of others enzymes involved in the catalytic processing of APP. As a result, β‐amyloid protein (Aβ) levels were significantly decreased by TXN2. In addition, in cells treated with 3‐nitropropionic acid (3‐NP) that is known to increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) and promote mitochondrial dysfunction, TXN2 silencing resulted in further enhancement of BACE1 protein levels, suggesting a role of TXN2 in ROS removal. The downstream signaling might involve NFκB, as TXN2 reduced the phosphorylation of p65 and IκBα; and p65 knockdown significantly attenuated TXN2‐mediated regulation of BACE1. Concomitantly, the levels of cellular ROS, apoptosis‐related proteins and cell viability were altered by TXN2 silencing or over‐expression. In APPswe/PS1E9 mice, an animal model of AD, the cortical and hippocampal TXN2 protein levels were decreased at 12 months but not at 6 months, suggesting an age‐dependent decline. Collectively, TXN2 regulated BACE1 expression and amyloidogenesis via cellular ROS and NFκB signaling. TXN2 might serve as a potential target especially for early intervention of AD. It has long been recognized that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thioredoxin‐2 (TXN2) is one of the mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes. In this study, TXN2 was shown to attenuate amyloidogenesis by reducing BACE1 transcription, which involved cellular ROS and NFκB signaling. The ROS scavenging activity of TXN2 was with the concomitant anti‐apoptotic effect in protecting cells from oxidative damage. The age‐dependent decline of TXN2 might play an important role in the pathogenesis of AD.