amyloidprecursorprotein

amyloid precursor protein, often abbreviated as APP, is a transmembrane protein that plays a crucial role in various cellular processes. It is encoded by the APP gene and is widely expressed in many tissues, particularly in the brain. The primary function of APP is not fully understood, but research suggests it is involved in synaptic formation and repair, neuronal growth, and metal ion transport.

APP can be processed by enzymes called secretases. There are two main pathways for APP cleavage: the amyloidogenic pathway and the non-amyloidogenic pathway. In the amyloidogenic pathway, APP is cleaved by beta-secretase (BACE1) and then gamma-secretase, producing amyloid-beta peptides (Aβ). These peptides, particularly Aβ42, are known to aggregate and form plaques, which are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The non-amyloidogenic pathway involves cleavage by alpha-secretase, which prevents the formation of amyloid-beta.

Mutations in the APP gene have been directly linked to early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease, underscoring its importance in the pathogenesis of this neurodegenerative disorder. Understanding the different processing pathways of APP and the implications of its mutations is a key area of research for developing therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's and other related neurological conditions.