Pin1 affects Tau phosphorylation in response to Aβ oligomers

We show that in hippocampal cultured neurons, dephosphorylation of peptidyl–prolyl cis–trans isomerase Pin1 on Ser16 is occurring during the early stages of exposure to Aβ (1–42) oligomers. This occurrence, resulting in Pin1 activation, is paralleled by TauThr231 dephosphorylation, probably due to Pin1-mediated Tau isomerisation. Indeed, in the presence of the specific Pin1 inhibitor juglone, Aβ-induced TauThr231dephosphorylation is prevented.The involvement of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in dephosphorylation of isomerised Tau is shown by the co-treatment of neurons with Aβ (1–42) and okadaic acid, a PP2A inhibitor, leading to TauThr231 hyperphosphorylation. We also report the modulation, via Pin1, of Ser199, Ser396, Ser400 and Ser404 phosphorylation state in response to Aβ treatment. Taken together, these data suggest for the first time that an early Pin1 response might be transiently evoked by Aβ 1–42 oligomers, preventing Tau hyperphosphorylation. This evidence highlights the role of Pin1 as Tau phosphorylation modulator during Alzheimer onset.