Modulation of oxidative stress and tau phosphorylation by the mTOR activator phosphatidic acid in SH-SY5Y cells

The mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway including p70S6K (the 70-kDa p70 S6 kinase) and S6, controls protein synthesis, has anti-apoptotic functions and can phosphorylate tau protein. mTORC1 is triggered by nutrients such as phosphatidic acid (PA). Previous experimental studies have shown that oxidative stress may down-regulate this pathway leading to neuronal death. Our results showed that in human neuroblastoma cells, PA exposure can reduce H2O2-induced apoptosis and can increase tau protein phosphorylation on Ser214 via p70S6K activation. These findings reveal that PA, via the mTOR kinase, can trigger tau phosphorylation on a site known to reduce paired helical filament (PHF) formation.