amyloid precursor protein
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Related to amyloid precursor protein: amyloidosis, Tau protein
amyloid precursor protein
n. Abbr. APP
A protein found in cell membranes that forms beta-amyloid fragments when cleaved by the secretase designated beta.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
amyloid precursor protein
Abbreviation: APPAn integral membrane protein concentrated at neuron synapses that is cleaved biochemically into components, one of which is the Alzheimer's disease–associated beta amyloid. Mutations in the gene for APP on chromosome 21 account for less than 5% of early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease.
See also: protein
Medical Dictionary, © 2009 Farlex and Partners
amyloid precursor protein
A natural brain protein that is coded for on chromosome 21. This protein is related in some way to memory. Point mutations are found in the gene for this protein in people who suffer from a familial form of early-onset ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE. Only a small proportion of cases of Alzheimer's disease, however, are caused in this way. Abnormally folded AMYLOID protein in the form of plaques and tangles occur in brain cells in Alzheimer's disease but also in chronic suppurative states in other parts of the body.Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005