DefinePK

Abstract

Acetylation is an important post-translational modification, which modulates function and localization of cytoplasmic proteins. Synaptosomal-associated protein-25 (SNAP-25) is a presynaptic neurotransmission-regulating protein that can be acetylated. Whether the acetylation level of SNAP25 is affected by aging is unknown. We explored the relative levels of SNAP25 and acetylated SNAP25 in the SAMP8 mice with different ages, and their correlation with spatial cognitive performance in radial six-arm water maze. The SAMP8 mice exhibited decline of spatial learning and memory abilities with aging. The higher hippocampal levels of SNAP25 were found in the 6- and 10-month SAMP8 mice compared to the 2-month mice. The hippocampal level of acetylated SNAP25 in the 10-month mice was higher than those in the 2- and 6-month mice. Positive correlations were found between the age-related increase of SNAP25 and the impairment of spatial learning and memory, and between acetylated SNAP25 level and memory deficits. The results suggested that elevated acetylated SNAP25 during aging might be involved in the age-related memory impairment.