Gosset Molecular Classification
Extracellular aggregate, Protein aggregate
Other Names
Amyloid plaques, Neuritic plaques, Senile plaques
Disease Roles
Beta Amyloid Plaque Overview
Beta amyloid plaques are extracellular deposits primarily composed of aggregated amyloid beta (Aβ) protein. These structures are most commonly found in the grey matter of the brain and are a defining pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease. While some plaque formation can occur with normal aging, their abundance and association with neurofibrillary tangles distinguish Alzheimer’s pathology.
Mechanism of Action
Biological Functions
No known physiological function when aggregated
Induction of synaptic loss
Induction of neuronal death
Activation of microglia and astrocytes
Induction of local inflammation
Disease Associations
Alzheimer's disease
Neurodegenerative disease
Safety Considerations
- Therapeutic targeting has had limited clinical success
- Synaptic dysfunction begins before large-scale aggregation occurs
- Off-target effects of anti-amyloid therapies
Associated Biomarkers
| Biomarker |
|---|
| Plaque density (post-mortem) |
| Amyloid beta levels in cerebrospinal fluid |
| Amyloid PET imaging |