Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026

Investigating the Spreading and Toxicity of Prion-like Proteins Using the Metazoan Model Organism C. elegans
Published on: January 8, 2015
Structural and mechanistic commonalities of amyloid-β and the prion protein
Bianca Da Costa Dias1, Katarina Jovanovic, Danielle Gonsalves
1School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa (RSA).
Abstract:
Amyloid β (Aβ) is a major causative agent of Alzheime disease. This neurotoxic peptide is generated as a result of the cleavage of the Amyloid-Precursor-Protein (APP) by the action of beta secretase and gamma secretase. The neurotoxicity was previously thought to be the result of aggregation. However, recent studies suggest that the interaction of Aβ with numerous cell surface receptors such as N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), receptor for advanced glycosylation end products (RAGE), P75 neurotrophin receptor (P75NTR) as well as cell surface proteins such as the cellular prion protein (PrP(c) ) and heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) strongly enhances Aβ induced apoptosis and thereby contributes to neurotoxicity. This review focuses on the molecular mechanism resulting in Aβ-shedding as well as Aβ-induced apoptotic processes, genetic risk factors for familial Alzheimer disease and interactions of Aβ with cell surface receptors and proteins, with particular emphasis on the cellular prion protein. Furthermore, comparisons are drawn between Alzheimer disease and prion disorders and the role of laminin, an extracellular matrix protein, glycosaminoglycans and the 37 kDa/67 kDa laminin receptor (LRP/LR) have been highlighted with regards to both neurodegenerative diseases.
Related Concept Videos
Amyloid Fibrils
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining, normally used to...
Amyloid Fibrils
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining, normally used to...
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Protein Folding
Protein Folding
Protein Structure Is Critical to Its Biological Function
Proteins perform a wide range of biological functions such as catalyzing chemical reactions, providing...
Protein and Protein Structure
A protein's shape is critical to its function. For example, an enzyme can...
