Amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ)

Amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide is a short protein fragment, typically 36–43 amino acids in length, that plays a central role in the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. It is the main component of amyloid plaques found in the brains of individuals with this neurodegenerative disorder. It is produced by proteolytic cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). While some physiological roles have been proposed for monomeric amyloid-beta (such as synaptic regulation), its pathological significance dominates current research. Aggregated forms—especially soluble oligomers—are neurotoxic and disrupt synaptic function. Therapeutics aim at reducing production/aggregation or enhancing clearance.

Other names

Amyloid betaAbetaAβ40Aβ42APP secretase product

Inhibition of secretases; antibody-mediated clearance; promotion of degradation by proteases; modulation of tau pathology