Amyloid protein plaques are hard, insoluble accumulations of proteins that build up in the spaces between nerve cells (neurons) in the brain. Considered a primary hallmark of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) , these plaques disrupt critical cell-to-cell communication and trigger a cascade of neurodegeneration. 1. How Plaques Form
The process begins with the , a protein typically found in the membranes of neurons.
: These sticky fragments clump together, first forming small groups called oligomers, and eventually maturing into the large, dense deposits known as senile plaques . 2. Impact on Brain Function amyloid protein plaque
: In a healthy brain, these fragments are cleared away. In Alzheimer’s, an imbalance between protein production and clearance leads to an accumulation of Aβ42 , a particularly "sticky" form of the protein.
New FDA-approved blood tests for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease Amyloid protein plaques are hard, insoluble accumulations of
Once plaques establish themselves in the brain's cortex and hippocampus, they cause significant damage:
: Enzymes called secretases (specifically β-secretase and γ-secretase) cut APP into smaller fragments. How Plaques Form The process begins with the
Understanding Amyloid Protein Plaques: The Biological Hallmarks of Alzheimer's