Beyond pathology: APP, brain development and Alzheimer's disease

Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2014 Aug:27:61-7. doi: 10.1016/j.conb.2014.02.003. Epub 2014 Mar 12.

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia among the elderly. Research in the AD field has been mostly focused on the biology of the Aβ peptide but increasing evidence is shifting attention toward the physiological role of APP as key to understanding AD pathology. It is becoming apparent that APP plays a central role in the mechanisms that guarantee the accuracy and the robustness of brain wiring. In the present review we explore APP functions with focus on some of the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism
  • Alzheimer Disease / pathology*
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / metabolism
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / genetics
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Brain / growth & development*
  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor