?-Amyloid peptides and amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease.

ABSTRACT: Many lines of evidence support that ?-amyloid (A?) peptides play an important role in Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia. But despite much effort the molecular mechanisms of how A? contributes to AD remain unclear. While A? is generated from its precursor protein throughout life, the peptide is best known as the main component of amyloid plaques, the neuropathological hallmark of AD. Reduction in A? has been the major target of recent experimental therapies against AD. Unfortunately, human clinical trials targeting A? have not shown the hoped-for benefits. Thus, doubts have been growing about the role of A? as a therapeutic target. Here we review evidence supporting the involvement of A? in AD, highlight the importance of differentiating between various forms of A?, and suggest that a better understanding of A?'s precise pathophysiological role in the disease is important for correctly targeting it for potential future therapy.

SUBMITTER: Gouras GK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4322079 | biostudies-other | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other