Abstract
The presenilins form part of a complex of membrane proteins that are involved in the proteolytic cleavage of cell-surface molecules. This article reviews the history of the discovery of the presenilins, their role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and in the metabolism of the amyloid-beta precursor protein. Unanswered questions about their biochemical mechanism of action and their effects on Ca2+ homeostasis are examined.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Alzheimer Disease / etiology
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Alzheimer Disease / genetics
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Alzheimer Disease / pathology*
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Alzheimer Disease / physiopathology*
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Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / genetics
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Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / metabolism*
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Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / genetics
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Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / metabolism*
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Calcium / metabolism
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Cell Membrane / metabolism
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Humans
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Mutation
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Presenilins / genetics
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Presenilins / metabolism*
Substances
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Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor
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Presenilins
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Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases
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Calcium