Thyroid hormones reverse the UV-induced repression of APP in neuroblastoma cells

As a precursor of the neurotoxic amyloid-β peptide, APP plays a central role in Alzheimer’s disease. We have recently reported that the tumor suppressor p53 inhibits APP gene transcription through the same DNA sequences that mediate an inhibitory effect of thyroid hormones. Now, we have analyzed whether the thyroid hormone T3 can modulate the effects of p53 on APP expression. Exposition to UVC radiation leads to a marked decrease of intracellular APP levels that is paradoxically reversed by T3. Repression by UVC and reversion by the hormone are not observed in cells depleted of p53, demonstrating a p53-dependent mechanism. These results suggest the existence of a cross-talk between p53 and T3 that could play an important role in Alzheimer´s disease.