Amyloid-Beta Precursor Protein

Amyloid-Beta Precursor Protein (APP) plays a central role in Alzheimer's Disease and dementia. APP is a transmembrane protein found in neural tissue. It is cleaved by enzymes into smaller fragments, including amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides. Accumulation of Aβ peptides forms plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's pathology. These plaques disrupt cell communication and trigger inflammatory responses, contributing to neurodegeneration. Mutations in the APP gene can increase the production of Aβ, leading to early-onset familial Alzheimer's. Understanding APP's function and its cleavage pathways is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies to prevent or reduce amyloid plaque formation, potentially altering the course of Alzheimer's disease.