Alpha 1-antichymotrypsin.
alpha 1-Antichymotrypsin, a member of the serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) family, inhibits neutrophil proteinase cathepsin G and mast cell chymases, and protects the lower respiratory tract from damage by proteolytic enzymes. It contains a reactive centre loop, which interacts with cognate proteinases, resulting in loop cleavage and a major conformational change. Recently, alpha 1-antichymotrypsin has been identified as a major constituent of the neurofibrillary plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease, and in vitro studies have shown that it enhances the rate of amyloid-fibril formation. These observations and recent genetic evidence suggest that alpha 1-antichymotrypsin is important in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
Kalsheker
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Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University Hospital Nottingham, U.K.
D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008958:Models, Molecular; D009454:Neurofibrils / Q000473:pathology; D000514:alpha 1-Antichymotrypsin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*
D000514:alpha 1-Antichymotrypsin