Molecular Characteristics of Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) and Its Effects in Cancer

Han Na Lee; Mi Suk Jeong; Se Bok Jang

doi:10.3390/ijms22094999

Molecular Characteristics of Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) and Its Effects in Cancer

Int J Mol Sci. 2021 May 8;22(9):4999. doi: 10.3390/ijms22094999.

Authors

Han Na Lee¹, Mi Suk Jeong², Se Bok Jang¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Jangjeon-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Korea.
² Insitute for Plastic Information and Energy Materials and Sustainable Utilization of Photovoltaic Energy Research Center, Pusan National University, Jangjeon-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Korea.

Abstract

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a type 1 transmembrane glycoprotein, and its homologs amyloid precursor-like protein 1 (APLP1) and amyloid precursor-like protein 2 (APLP2) are highly conserved in mammals. APP and APLP are known to be intimately involved in the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer's disease and to play important roles in neuronal homeostasis and development and neural transmission. APP and APLP are also expressed in non-neuronal tissues and are overexpressed in cancer cells. Furthermore, research indicates they are involved in several cancers. In this review, we examine the biological characteristics of APP-related family members and their roles in cancer.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; amyloid precursor protein; cancer; migration; proliferation.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / chemistry
Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / metabolism*
Animals
Humans
Models, Biological
Neoplasms / metabolism*
Protein Processing, Post-Translational

Substances

Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor