Amyloid Precursor Protein
Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) is a protein found in the cell membranes of neurons and other cells. It plays a crucial role in neuronal growth, survival, and repair. APP can be processed in different ways, leading to the production of various fragments, some of which are involved in the formation of amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease.
The processing of APP can occur through two main pathways: the non-amyloidogenic pathway, which is generally considered protective, and the amyloidogenic pathway, which can lead to the production of beta-amyloid peptides. Accumulation of these peptides is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and contributes to neurodegeneration.