GET THE APP

..

Molecular and Genetic Medicine

ISSN: 1747-0862

Open Access

Amyloid Precursor Protein in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Amadei C, Kow R and Nawaz Z

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) gets cleaved by α, β, and γ secretases in both amyloidogenic and nonamyloidogenic processing. In amyloidogenic processing, Aβ40 and Aβ42 peptides result, leading to amyloid plaques in the brain, associated with various dementias, especially Alzheimer’s disease. Amyloid plaques also occur in the brains of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), while both elevated and diminished levels of soluble APP have been found in the serum of ASD patients. Treatment with mGluR5 inhibitors has successfully lowered APP and Aβ levels in vitro as well as ASD symptoms in a mouse model. Differences in ASD genotype and phenotype along with similarities to neurodegenerative dementias must be considered when investigating new biomarkers and treatments for ASD.

PDF

Share this article

Google Scholar citation report
Citations: 3919

Molecular and Genetic Medicine received 3919 citations as per Google Scholar report

Molecular and Genetic Medicine peer review process verified at publons

Indexed In

 
arrow_upward arrow_upward