Beta-amyloid protein in Alzheimer's disease.
Beta-amyloid protein, a 42-43 amino acid polypeptide, accumulates abnormally in senile plaques and the cerebral vasculature in Alzheimer's disease. This polypeptide is derived from a membrane-associated precursor which has several isoforms expressed in many tissues. The precursor protein is processed constitutively within the beta-amyloid domain, leading to the release of the large N-terminal portion into the extracellular medium. beta-amyloid protein may be toxic to certain neuronal cell types and its early deposition may be an important event in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
Department of Medicine, McGill Center for Studies in Aging, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Nalbantoglu
D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000378:metabolism*; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides / Q000378:metabolism*; D016564:Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans
D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides; D016564:Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor