Amyloid beta precursor like protein 1 (APLP1)

Amyloid beta precursor like protein 1 (APLP1) is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein predominantly localized in neurons, belonging to the APP gene family. Unlike its family member APP, APLP1 is not ubiquitously expressed but is neuron-specific and has a high presence at the cell surface, where it mediates cell adhesion and participates in trans-cellular interactions critical for synapse formation and maintenance. It is cleaved by secretases similar to APP, releasing fragments involved in signaling, though it does not generate amyloid-beta peptide. APLP1 modulates neuronal morphology, restricts neurite outgrowth, and is involved in synaptic maturation and plasticity. It has been implicated in the propagation of α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease and its derived peptides are explored as biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease. Distinct from APP and APLP2, APLP1 loss leads to synaptic deficits, highlighting its essential, nonredundant function in the nervous system[1][2][3][5][8].

Other names

Amyloid beta precursor like protein 1C30APLP1APLPAPLP-1Amyloid beta (A4) precursor-like protein 1Amyloid-like protein 1amyloid-like protein 1amyloid precursor-like protein 1amyloid beta (A4) precursor-like protein 1

Not established for direct drug targeting; processing by secretases (α, β, γ secretase) is relevant for APP family drug strategies, but not directly targeted in APLP1 therapies[2].