Mitochondria‐associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes tethering protein VAPB‐PTPIP51 protects against ischemic stroke through inhibiting the activation of autophagy

Abstract Aims Mitochondria‐associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs) serve as a crucial bridge connecting the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria within cells. Vesicle‐associated membrane protein‐associated protein B (VAPB) and protein tyrosine phosphatase interacting protein 51 (PTPIP51) are responsible for the formation and stability of MAMs, which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases. However, the role of MAMs in ischemic stroke (IS) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the role of MAMs tethering protein VAPB‐PTPIP51 in experimental cerebral ischemia. Methods We simulated cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury (CIRI) by using a mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Results We observed a decrease in VAPB‐PTPIP51 expression in the brain tissue. Our findings suggested compromised MAMs after MCAO, as a decreased mitochondria–ER contact (MERC) coverage and an increased distance were observed through the transmission electron microscope (TEM). Upon VAPB or PTPIP51 knockdown, the damage to MAMs was exacerbated, accompanied by excessive autophagy activation and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, resulting in an enlarged infarct area and exacerbated neurological deficits. Notably, we observed that this damage was concomitant with the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and was successfully mitigated by the treatment with the PI3K activator. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the downregulation of VAPB‐PTPIP51 expression after IS mediates structural damage to MAMs. This may exacerbate CIRI by inhibiting the PI3K pathway and activating autophagy, thus providing new therapeutic targets for IS.