Interactions of amyloid-β with membrane proteins

Abstract

In developing and developed countries, an increasing elderly population is observed. This affects the growing percentage of people struggling with neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. Nevertheless, the pathomechanism of this disease is still unknown. This contributes to problems with early diagnosis of the disease as well as with treatment. One of the most popular hypotheses of Alzheimer’s disease is related to the pathological deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) in the brain of ill people. In this paper, we discuss issues related to Aβ and its relationship in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The structure of Aβ and its interaction with the cell membrane are discussed. Not only do the extracellular plaques affect nerve cells, but other forms of this peptide as well.