Amyloid precursor protein (APP) (APP)

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein primarily recognized for its central role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease through the generation of neurotoxic amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides [UniProt: P05067]. Beyond the central nervous system, APP is expressed in vascular cells, including endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and platelets, where it functions in cell adhesion and intracellular signaling [PubMed: 28633904]. In the context of atherosclerosis, APP and its cleavage products contribute to vascular inflammation, oxidative stress, and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques [PubMed: 30213780]. Aβ peptides can impair nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation and promote a pro-thrombotic state by enhancing platelet activation [PubMed: 25135909]. While therapeutic interventions like BACE1 inhibitors and anti-Aβ antibodies were developed for neurodegeneration, their impact on vascular signaling pathways suggests potential relevance in managing cardiovascular complications associated with amyloid pathology.

Other names

Amyloid beta precursor proteinABPPAPPIAlzheimer disease amyloid proteinCerebral vascular amyloid peptidePreA4

Inhibition of proteolytic cleavage by beta-secretase (BACE1) or gamma-secretase to reduce amyloid-beta production; monoclonal antibody-mediated clearance of amyloid-beta aggregates from tissues.