Insulin-degrading enzyme: a link between Alzheimer's and type 2 diabetes mellitus

CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets. 2014 Mar;13(2):259-64. doi: 10.2174/18715273113126660139.

Abstract

Enzymes play a very vital role in maintaining the homeostasis inside the body. Improper functioning of enzymes is associated with many diseases. Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE), a ubiquitously expressed zinc metalloprotease, is believed to act as a junction point of Type 2 Diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Recent studies provide inkling for the use of IDE as a potential target hence the design of its regulators would be a viable approach towards treatment of these diseases. This review provides an overview of the IDE structure and function; a relationship is drawn between IDE, Type 2 Diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease and the approaches that make IDE a potential target, are discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / drug therapy
  • Alzheimer Disease / enzymology*
  • Animals
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / enzymology*
  • Humans
  • Insulysin / genetics
  • Insulysin / metabolism*

Substances

  • Insulysin