2023 Volume 2 Pages 10-16
Localization of 63 kDa subunit of serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT2), a key enzyme in the first step of sphingolipid biosynthesis, was investigated by immunohistochemistry of postmortem human brain tissues of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and healthy controls. SPT2 was localized in cell bodies, apical dendrites, and nuclei of neurons in the control group. Whereas, SPT2 was strongly immunolabeled in neuropil threads, dystrophic neurites in senile plaques, and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (iNFTs) in AD brains of surviving neurons. Double immunofluorescence staining showed dual labeling of iNFTs for SPT2 and tau. Similar results were obtained in reactive astrocytes for a combination of SPT2 and glial fibrillary acidic protein. SPT2 labeling was also dense in axons stained for highly phosphorylated neurofilament protein. These suggest a role for SPT2 in the disease-specific pathology, including the formation of iNFTs, in AD.
