An endosomal-lysosomal pathway for degradation of amyloid precursor protein

We previously reported evidence for a lysosomal degradative pathway for APP and C-terminal fragments thereof, based on Western and immunocytochemical analysis of drug-treated cells. Here, we verify the existence of a lysosomal degradative pathway for APP using pulse chase immunoprecipitation analysis of drug-treated cells and fibroblasts with and without a known lysosomal hydrolase targeting defect. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that part or all of the beta-protein domain of APP is normally degraded by lysosomes. A mechanism for beta-protein deposition based on this data is hypothesized.