Presenilins are key components of the γ-secretase complex, an enzymatic complex critical for the proteolytic cleavage of several type I transmembrane proteins. One of the most significant substrates of γ-secretase is the amyloid precursor protein (APP), whose cleavage results in the production of amyloid-β peptides. These peptides can aggregate to form amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's Disease. Besides its role in the γ-secretase complex, presenilin is also involved in calcium homeostasis, apoptosis, and cell signaling. It is essential for embryonic development and the maintenance of various cellular processes.
