title: The APP family of proteins: similarities and differences.
abstract: Overwhelming evidence indicates that the Abeta (amyloid beta-peptide) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Abeta is derived from the APP (amyloid precursor protein) by the action of two aspartyl proteases (beta- and gamma-secretases) that are leading candidates for therapeutic intervention. APP is a member of a multigene family that includes APLP1 (amyloid precursor-like protein 1) and APLP2. Both APLPs are processed in a manner analogous to APP, with all three proteins subject to ectodomain shedding and subsequent cleavage by gamma-secretase. Careful study of the APP family of proteins has already revealed important insights about APP. Here, we will review how knowledge of the similarities and differences between APP and the APLPs may prove useful for the development of novel disease-modifying therapeutics.
authors: Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Research, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Republic of Ireland. dominic.walsh@ucd.ie
authors: D M
authors: DM
authors: Walsh
authors: A M
authors: AM
authors: Minogue
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Sala Frigerio
authors: J V
authors: JV
authors: Fadeeva
authors: W
authors: W
authors: Wasco
authors: D J
authors: DJ
authors: Selkoe
mesh_terms: D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides / Q000502:physiology*; D016564:Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D058255:Protease Nexins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000502:physiology*; D012016:Reference Values
chemical_list: C545487:APP protein, human; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides; D016564:Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor; D058255:Protease Nexins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface