A DR6/p75NTR complex is responsible for β-amyloid-induced cortical neuron death

The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75(NTR)) is a known mediator of beta-amyloid (A beta)-induced neurotoxicity implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we demonstrate that death receptor 6 (DR6) binds to p75(NTR) and is a component of the p75(NTR) signaling complex responsible for A beta-induced cortical neuron death. Cortical neurons isolated from either DR6 or p75(NTR) null mice are resistant to A beta-induced neurotoxicity. Blocking DR6 function in cortical neurons by anti-DR6 antibodies that block the binding of DR6 to p75(NTR) receptor complex or by a dominant negative DR6 construct lacking the cytoplasmic signaling death domain attenuates A beta-induced caspase 3 activation and cell death. DR6 expression is upregulated in AD cortex and correlates with elevated neuronal death. Targeting the disruption of the DR6/p75(NTR) complex to prevent A beta cytotoxicity represents a new approach for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as AD. Cell Death and Disease (2013) 4, e579; doi:10.1038/cddis.2013.110; published online 4 April 2013