AMYLOID PRECURSOR PROTEIN
amyloid precursor protein: translation
Individuals with Alzheimer\'s disease are characterized by extensive accumulation of amyloid in the brain, referred to as senile plaques. These consist of a core of amyloid fibrils surrounded by dystrophic neurites. The principal component of the amyloid fibrils is B/A4, a peptide derived from the larger APP. The specific role of amyloid protein is unclear but it is thought that amyloid deposits may cause neurons to degenerate. Amyloid deposits also occur in brains of older Down\'s Syndromepatients.