The amyloid-beta peptide and its role in Alzheimer's disease

J Pept Sci. 2001 May;7(5):227-49. doi: 10.1002/psc.324.

Abstract

Amyloid formation plays a central role in the cause and progression of Alzheimer's disease. The major component of this amyloid is the amyloid-beta (A beta) peptide, which is currently the subject of intense study. This review discusses some recent studies in the area of A beta synthesis, purification and structural analysis. Also discussed are proposed mechanisms for A beta-induced neurotoxicity and some recent advances in the development of A beta-related therapeutic strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism*
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / chemistry*
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Circular Dichroism
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Models, Biological
  • Models, Chemical
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Peptides / chemistry*
  • Peptides / physiology*
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Peptides
  • Protein Isoforms