Interaction of Sp1 and APP promoter elucidates a mechanism for Pb²⁺ caused neurodegeneration

A ubiquitously expressed transcription factor, specificity protein 1 (Sp1), interacts with the amyloid precursor protein (APP) promoter and likely mediates APP expression. Promoter-interaction strengths variably regulate the level of APP expression. Here, we examined the interactions of finger 3 of Sp1 (Sp1–f3) with a DNA fragment containing the APP promoter in different ionic solutions using atomic force microscope (AFM) spectroscopy. Sp1–f3 molecules immobilized on an Si substrate were bound to the APP promoter, which was linked to the AFM tips via covalent bonds. The interactions were strongly influenced by Pb²⁺, considering that substituting Zn²⁺ with Pb²⁺ increased the binding affinity of Sp1 for the APP promoter. The results revealed that the enhanced interaction force facilitated APP expression and that APP overexpression could confer a high-risk for disease incidence. An increased interaction force between Sp1–f3 and the APP promoter in Pb²⁺ solutions was consistent with a lower binding free energy, as determined by computer-assisted analysis. The impact of Pb²⁺ on cell morphology and related mechanical properties were also detected by AFM. The overexpression of APP caused by the enhanced interaction force triggered actin reorganization and further resulted in an increased Young's modulus and viscosity. The correlation with single-force measurements revealed that altered cellular activities could result from alternation of Sp1–APP promoter interaction. Our AFM findings offer a new approach in understanding Pb²⁺ associated neurodegeneration.