Gosset Molecular Classification
Peptide, Protein fragment
Other Names
Amyloid-beta, Abeta, Aβ peptide
Disease Roles
Beta Amyloid A4 Protein Overview
Beta amyloid A4 protein, also known as amyloid-beta (Aβ), is a peptide of 36-43 amino acids that plays a critical role in Alzheimer's disease pathology. It is derived from the amyloid precursor protein (APP) through sequential proteolytic cleavage by secretases. Aβ misfolding and aggregation into soluble oligomers and amyloid plaques are considered primary pathological mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease, leading to neuron toxicity and brain cell death.
Mechanism of Action
Targeted by therapies aimed at reducing its production, aggregation, or promoting its clearance.
Biological Functions
Neurite growth (via APP)
Neuronal adhesion (via APP)
Axonogenesis (via APP)
Synaptogenesis (via APP)
Cell mobility and transcription regulation (via APP)
Copper homeostasis and oxidative stress regulation (via APP)
Regulation of neurite outgrowth (via APP)
Disease Associations
Alzheimer's disease
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Safety Considerations
- Potential for off-target effects of therapies targeting Aβ
- Risk of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) in anti-amyloid therapies
- Complexity of the amyloid cascade and potential for unintended consequences of interventions
Associated Biomarkers
| Biomarker |
|---|
| Aβ40 levels in cerebrospinal fluid |
| Aβ42 levels in cerebrospinal fluid |
| Aβ plaque load in brain imaging (e.g., PET scans) |