Functions of amyloid precursor protein in metabolic diseases

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a transmembrane precursor protein that is widely expressed in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues in the liver and pancreas, adipose tissue, and myotubes. APP can be cleaved by proteases in two different ways to produce a variety of short peptides, each with different physiological properties and functions. APP peptides generated by non-amyloidogenic processing can positively influence metabolism, while the peptides produced by amyloidogenic processing have the opposite effects. Here, we summarize the regulatory effects of APP and its cleavage peptides on metabolism in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. In addition, abnormal expression and function of APP and APP-derived peptides are associated with metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease, and cancers. Pharmacological intervention of APP function or reduction of the production of peptides derived from amyloidogenic processing may be effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and they may also provide new guidance for the treatment of metabolic diseases. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This article summarizes the regulatory effects of APP and its cleavage peptides on metabolism in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues, indicating that peptides generated by non-amyloidogenic processing can have positive effects on metabolism, while those produced by amyloidogenic processing may have negative impacts. Abnormal expression of APP is associated with metabolic diseases (such as diabetes, obesity, etc.) and cancer.