What is the Role of Gamma Secretase in Alzheimer's Disease?
The gamma secretase complex is critically involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by gamma secretase generates amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides, which can aggregate to form the amyloid plaques characteristic of AD. Mutations in the genes encoding presenilin-1 and presenilin-2 are linked to early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease, highlighting the significance of gamma secretase in neurodegeneration.
