Amyloid Peptides

Aβ peptides are generated through the proteolytic cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP), a transmembrane protein, by enzyme complexes α, β and γ-secretases. In 1991, the amyloid hypothesis postulated that extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition is the basic cause of the Alzheimer disease. Specifically, this hypothesis suggests that the formation, aggregation, and deposition of Aβ peptides, and especially Aβ (1-42), is a fundamental process in AD pathogenesis which causes neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration. Based on the amyloid hypothesis, drugs that can reduce the generation of Aβ, prevent the aggregation of Aβ, and promote its clearance are thought to be promising therapeutics for AD.