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Updated: May 23, 2026

Purification and Aggregation of the Amyloid Precursor Protein Intracellular Domain
Published on: August 28, 2012
The amyloid precursor protein intracellular domain-fe65 multiprotein complexes: a challenge to the amyloid hypothesis
Daniel A Bórquez1, Christian González-Billault
1Laboratory of Cell and Neuronal Dynamics, Department of Biology and Institute for Cell Dynamics and Biotechnology (ICDB), Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7800024, Chile.
Abstract:
Since its proposal in 1994, the amyloid cascade hypothesis has prevailed as the mainstream research subject on the molecular mechanisms leading to the Alzheimer's disease (AD). Most of the field had been historically based on the role of the different forms of aggregation of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ). However, a soluble intracellular fragment termed amyloid precursor protein (APP) intracellular domain (AICD) is produced in conjunction with Aβ fragments. This peptide had been shown to be highly toxic in both culture neurons and transgenic mice models. With the advent of this new toxic fragment, the centerpiece for the ethiology of the disease may be changed. This paper discusses the potential role of multiprotein complexes between the AICD and its adapter protein Fe65 and how this could be a potentially important new agent in the neurodegeneration observed in the AD.
Insights
The amyloid cascade hypothesis for Alzheimer's disease (AD) may shift focus from amyloid-beta (Aβ) to the toxic amyloid precursor protein (APP) intracellular domain (AICD). AICD's role in neurodegeneration via complexes with Fe65 warrants further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The amyloid cascade hypothesis has dominated Alzheimer's disease (AD) research, focusing on β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) aggregation.
- The amyloid precursor protein (APP) intracellular domain (AICD), a soluble fragment produced alongside Aβ, exhibits significant toxicity in neuronal models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential role of AICD in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis.
- To investigate the significance of multiprotein complexes formed between AICD and its adapter protein, Fe65.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on AICD and Fe65 interactions.
- Analysis of toxicological data from cell culture and transgenic mouse models.
Main Results:
- AICD demonstrates considerable toxicity in neuronal systems.
- The formation of multiprotein complexes involving AICD and Fe65 is highlighted as a potential mechanism.
Conclusions:
- The AICD fragment, particularly in complex with Fe65, may represent a crucial factor in Alzheimer's disease (AD) neurodegeneration.
- This suggests a potential shift in the central focus of AD ethiology research from Aβ to AICD-mediated pathways.
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