Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), an age-related neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by irreversible brain tissue degeneration. The amyloid-β (Aβ) cascade hypothesis stands as the predominant paradigm explaining AD pathogenesis. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying Aβ-induced pyroptosis in AD. AD models were established using amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) transgenic mice and Aβ-treated BV-2 cells (5 µM, 24 h). NEK7 expression was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Cell pyroptosis was assessed before and after NEK7 expression was inhibited in BV-2 cells. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors carrying short hairpin RNA (shRNA) against NEK7 (AAV-sh-NEK7) were administered to mice to knockdown NEK7 in vivo. Spatial learning and memory abilities were evaluated using the Morris water maze test. The interaction between NEK7 and histone H4 lysine 12 lactylation (H4K12la) were then investigated. The results suggested that NEK7 expression was markedly elevated in both in vitro and in vivo AD models. Treatment with Aβ significantly reduced cell viability and enhanced pyroptosis in BV-2 cells; these effects were reversed by inhibiting NEK7. Furthermore, AD mice with NEK7 knockdown exhibited shorter escape latencies and increased time spent in the target quadrant, suggesting that NEK7 inhibition improved cognitive function and memory retention. Mechanistically, Aβ treatment induced histone lactylation in BV-2 cells, and suppression of lactylation attenuated NEK7 transcriptional activity and mRNA levels. In summary, elevated NEK7 expression promoted histone lactylation in BV-2 cells, thereby facilitating pyroptosis. Inhibition of NEK7 conferred protection against Aβ-induced cellular damage and enhanced cognitive performance and memory retention in AD model mice. Collectively, targeting NEK7 represents a potential therapeutic strategy for alleviating AD symptoms.