APP as an innate injury-response molecule

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Pathology

Background:

• Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is primarily known for its role in producing amyloid beta (Aβ), a key factor in Alzheimer's disease.
• However, APP's evolutionary origins suggest functions beyond Aβ production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the known functions of APP and its proteolytic derivatives.
• To explore APP's roles in neuronal development, CNS function, and tissue injury response.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing evidence on APP and its derivatives.
• Analysis of APP's functions across various mammalian organ systems.

Main Results:

• APP and its derivatives (sAPPα, CTFα, sAPPβ, CTFβ, p3, AICD, Aβ) are involved in neuronal development and CNS function.
• APP also plays innate roles in responses to cell and tissue injury, including hemostasis, inflammation, glial cell function, antimicrobial defense, and wound healing.

Conclusions:

• APP possesses dual roles in both normal neuronal function and injury response.
• These dual roles may be linked to, and potentially predispose individuals to, APP-related neurodegenerative disorders in the CNS.