Amyloid beta

Amyloid Beta and Its Role in Alzheimer's Disease

Deposits of Amyloid beta in an Alzheimer's affected brain

Amyloid beta (Aβ or Abeta) is a peptide crucial in the understanding of Alzheimer's disease. It consists of 36 to 43 amino acids and is the main component of amyloid plaques found in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's.

Formation and Characteristics

1. 1. 1. Derivation from APP ###

Amyloid beta peptides are derived from the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Through enzymatic actions involving beta-secretase and gamma-secretase, APP is cleaved to yield Aβ.

1. 1. 1. Aggregation and Oligomers ###

Structure of Beta Amyloid oligomers

Aβ molecules can aggregate to form flexible soluble oligomers, existing in several forms. The aggregation of these peptides is believed to play a central role in the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Misfolding and Toxicity

1. 1. 1. Prion-like Chain Reactions ###

Certain misfolded Aβ oligomers, known as seeds, can induce other Aβ molecules to also adopt misfolded oligomeric forms. This process is akin to a prion infection and leads to a chain reaction contributing to disease progression.

1. 1. 1. Neurotoxicity ###

The oligomers are toxic to nerve cells. Their accumulation disrupts cell function and leads to neuronal death, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

Tau Protein and Alzheimer's Disease

Besides amyloid beta, tau protein is another key protein implicated in Alzheimer's. Tau forms misfolded oligomers similar to Aβ, and there's evidence suggesting that misfolded Aβ can influence tau pathology.

Research and Therapeutic Implications

1. 1. 1. Studying Amyloid Beta ###

Understanding the properties of amyloid beta and its role in Alzheimer's disease is crucial for developing effective treatments.

1. 1. 1. Potential Therapies ###

Current research focuses on developing therapies to reduce Aβ production, prevent its aggregation, or enhance its clearance from the brain.

Public Health Impact

Alzheimer's disease represents a significant public health challenge, with amyloid beta at the forefront of research efforts aiming to understand and combat this debilitating condition.

See Also

• Alzheimer's disease
• Protein misfolding
• Neurodegenerative diseases

External Links

• Alzforum - Latest Research on Amyloid Beta
• The Journal of Neuroscience - Amyloid Beta Studies

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