Physiological and pathological roles of the γ-secretase complex Journal Article


Authors: Carroll, C. M.; Li, Y. M.
Article Title: Physiological and pathological roles of the γ-secretase complex
Abstract: Gamma-secretase (GS) is an enzyme complex that cleaves numerous substrates, and it is best known for cleaving amyloid precursor protein (APP) to form amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides. Aberrant cleavage of APP can lead to Alzheimer's disease, so much research has been done to better understand GS structure and function in hopes of developing therapeutics for Alzheimer's. Therefore, most of the attention in this field has been focused on developing modulators that reduce pathogenic forms of Aβ while leaving Notch and other GS substrates intact, but GS provides multiple avenues of modulation that could improve AD pathology. GS has complex regulation, through its essential subunits and other associated proteins, providing other targets for AD drugs. Therapeutics can also alter GS trafficking and thereby improve cognition, or move beyond Aβ entirely, effecting Notch and neural stem cells. GS also cleaves substrates that affect synaptic morphology and function, presenting another window by which GS modulation could improve AD pathology. Taken together, GS presents a unique cross road for neural processes and an ideal target for AD therapeutics. © 2016 Elsevier Inc.
Keywords: amyloid-beta; alzheimer's disease; gamma-secretase
Journal Title: Brain Research Bulletin
Volume: 126
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0361-9230
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.  
Date Published: 2016-09-01
Start Page: 199
End Page: 206
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.04.019
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 27133790
PMCID: PMC5436903
DOI/URL:
Notes: Review -- Export Date: 1 November 2016 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Yueming Li
    132 Li