Amyloid precursor protein
Amyloid Precursor Protein
Amyloid precursor protein (pronunciation: /ˈæmɪlɔɪd ˈpriːkɜːrsər ˈprɒtɪn/), often abbreviated as APP, is an integral membrane protein expressed in many tissues and concentrated in the synapses of neurons. Its primary function is not fully understood, though it has been implicated in several neural functions.
Etymology
The term "amyloid" comes from the Greek "amylon" which means starch, due to its reaction to iodine and sulfuric acid which is similar to starch. The term "precursor" is used because this protein is cleaved to form various peptides, including amyloid beta (Aβ), which is thought to be the main component of amyloid plaques found in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients.
Function
The exact function of APP is not known. However, it is thought to be involved in neuron growth, survival, and post-injury repair. APP is cleaved into smaller peptides by enzymes known as secretases. The most notable of these peptides is amyloid beta, which has been implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Related Terms
- Amyloid beta: A peptide of 36–43 amino acids that is processed from the amyloid precursor protein. In Alzheimer's disease, aggregates of amyloid beta form insoluble plaques.
- Secretase: An enzyme that cleaves APP into smaller peptides, including amyloid beta.
- Alzheimer's disease: A neurodegenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain, among other symptoms.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Amyloid precursor protein
- Wikipedia's article - Amyloid precursor protein
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