The role of G protein-coupled receptors in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are involved in numerous key neurotransmitter systems in the brain that are disrupted in Alzheimer's disease (AD). GPCRs also directly influence the amyloid cascade through modulation of the alpha-, beta- and gamma-secretases, proteolysis of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), and regulation of amyloid-beta degradation. Additionally, amyloid-beta has been shown to perturb GPCR function. Emerging insights into the mechanistic link between GPCRs and AD highlight the potential of this class of receptors as a therapeutic target for AD.