Spatiotemporal insights of APP function

Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2023 Oct:82:102754. doi: 10.1016/j.conb.2023.102754. Epub 2023 Aug 3.

Abstract

The amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) is a ubiquitous protein with a strong genetic link to Alzheimer's disease. Although the protein was identified more than forty years ago, its physiological function is still unclear. In recent years, advances in technology have allowed researchers to tackle APP functions in greater depth. In this review, we discuss the latest research pertaining to APP functions from development to aging. We also address the different roles that APP could play in specific types of cells of the central and peripheral nervous system and in other organs of the body. We argue that, until we fully identify the functions of APP in space and time, we will be missing important pieces of the puzzle to solve its pathological implication in Alzheimer's disease and beyond.

Keywords: Amyloid precursor protein; GABA; Glutamate; Metabolism; Neuronal physiology; Synapses.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease* / genetics
  • Alzheimer Disease* / pathology
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / metabolism
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor* / genetics
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Peripheral Nervous System / pathology
  • Synapses / metabolism

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides