title: Beta-amyloid catabolism: roles for neprilysin (NEP) and other metallopeptidases?
abstract: The steady-state level of amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) represents a balance between its biosynthesis from the amyloid precursor protein (APP) through the action of the beta- and gamma-secretases and its catabolism by a variety of proteolytic enzymes. Recent attention has focused on members of the neprilysin (NEP) family of zinc metalloproteinases in amyloid metabolism. NEP itself degrades both Abeta(1-40) and Abeta(1-42) in vitro and in vivo, and this metabolism is prevented by NEP inhibitors. Other NEP family members, for example endothelin-converting enzyme, may contribute to amyloid catabolism and may also play a role in neuroprotection. Another metalloproteinase, insulysin (insulin-degrading enzyme) has also been advocated as an amyloid-degrading enzyme and may contribute more generally to metabolism of amyloid-forming peptides. Other candidate enzymes proposed include angiotensin-converting enzyme, some matrix metalloproteinases, plasmin and, indirectly, thimet oligopeptidase (endopeptidase-24.15). This review critically evaluates the evidence relating to proteinases implicated in amyloid catabolism. Therapeutic strategies aimed at promoting A,beta degradation may provide a novel approach to the therapy of Alzheimer's disease.
authors.affiliation: Proteolysis Research Group, School of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, UK.
authors.forename: Julie A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Carson
authors.forename: Anthony J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Turner
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides / Q000378:metabolism*; D016564:Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D016282:Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism; D000072396:Endothelin-Converting Enzymes; D006801:Humans; D007339:Insulysin / Q000378:metabolism; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism*; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D015260:Neprilysin / Q000378:metabolism; D009420:Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides; D016564:Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D016282:Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases; D015260:Neprilysin; D007339:Insulysin; D000072396:Endothelin-Converting Enzymes