Lessons from two prevalent amyloidoses-what amylin and Aβ have in common

The amyloidogenic peptide A beta plays a key role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) forming insoluble aggregates in the brain. The peptide shares its amyloidogenic properties with amylin that forms aggregates in the pancreas of patients with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM). While epidemiological studies establish a link between these two diseases, it is becoming increasingly clear that they also share biochemical features suggesting common pathogenic mechanisms. We discuss commonalities as to how A beta and amylin deregulate the cellular proteome, how they impair mitochondrial functions, to which receptors they bind, aspects of their clearance and how therapeutic strategies exploit the commonalities between A beta and amylin. We conclude that research into these two molecules is mutually beneficial for the treatment of AD and T2DM.