Molecular Classification
Peptide
Other Names
Amyloid beta 42, Abeta 42, Aβ1-42
Disease Roles
Alzheimer's diseaseNeurodegenerative disease

Amyloid beta 1-42 Overview

Amyloid beta 1–42 is an intrinsically disordered peptide prone to forming toxic aggregates central to Alzheimer’s pathology. Its structural transitions—from flexible monomer through various oligomeric intermediates into highly ordered cross-beta sheet filaments—underlie both its biological activity and pathogenicity within neural tissue.

Mechanism of Action

Aggregation inhibition (potential therapeutics)

Biological Functions

Neuronal growth and adhesion (APP)
Formation of amyloid plaques
Neurotoxicity

Disease Associations

Alzheimer's disease
Neurodegenerative disease

Safety Considerations

  • Non-selective targeting may disrupt physiological APP functions.
  • Immunotherapies may cause amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA).

Associated Biomarkers

Biomarker
Cerebrospinal fluid Aβ42 levels
Amyloid PET imaging