Induction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP3, MMP12 and MMP13) expression in the microglia by amyloid-β stimulation via the PI3K/Akt pathway

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the presence of senile plaques in the brain composed primarily of amyloid-β peptide. Microglia have been reported to surround these Aβ plaques, which have opposite roles, provoking a microglia-mediated inflammatory response that contributes to neuronal cell loss or the removal of Aβ and damaged neurons. We herein analyzed the process of expression of Matrix metalloproteinases induced by Aβ stimulation. We found that Aβ1-42 induces a high level of MMP3, MMP12 and MMP13 in the microglia. The signal transduction pathway for the expression of these MMPs mRNA induced by Aβ1-42 depends on PI3K/Akt.