Transcriptomic Response of Caenorhabditis elegans Expressing Human A β 42 Gene Treated with Salvianolic Acid A

Alzheimer’s disease is associated with the deposition of β-amyloid peptide in the brain. A genome-wide transcriptomic study was performed to determine the response of transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans express-ing full-length human Aβ₄₂ gene towards salvianolic acid A (Sal A). The genes associated with antioxidant response, gst-4, gst-10, spr-1 and trxr-2, were upregu-lated. Aβ₄₂ caused oxidative stress and the antioxidant response genes possibly provide some sort of protec-tion to the nematode. trxr-2 gene product was also associated with the defence system and probably has a role in the lifespan of the nematode. Other genes involved in DNA replication, reproduction, immune res-ponse and antimicrobial activities were also found to be upregulated. Treatment of Sal A also increased the rate of reproduction in the nematode, and elevated its immunological protection system towards microor-ganisms. On the other hand, the genes responsible for ligand-gated cation channel, embryonic and postem-bryonic development, locomotion and neuromodula-tion of chemosensory neurons were found to be down-regulated. As an effector, Sal A might conceivably reduce the movement of the nematode by interfering with neuronal transmission, and embryonic and post-embryonic development.