Role of amyloid precursor protein, amyloid-beta and gamma-secretase in cholesterol maintenance

Neurodegener Dis. 2006;3(4-5):305-11. doi: 10.1159/000095271.

Abstract

Lipids play an important part as risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. This article summarizes the current understanding of the molecular mechanism by which amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptides regulate cholesterol and sphingomyelin metabolism, and how in return cholesterol and sphingomyelin regulate Abeta peptide production. An understanding of the physiological function of amyloid precursor protein processing and Abeta function is critical for the development of future therapeutic approaches, e.g. statin treatment.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism
  • Alzheimer Disease / physiopathology
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / drug effects
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / metabolism*
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / drug effects
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Cholesterol / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Risk Factors
  • Sphingomyelins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Sphingomyelins
  • Cholesterol
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases