Presenilin 1

Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients with an inherited form of the disease carry mutations in the presenilin proteins (PSEN1; PSEN2). Presenilins form the catalytic subunit of the gamma-secretase complex, an endoprotease complex that catalyzes the intramembrane cleavage of integral membrane proteins such as Notch receptors and APP (beta-amyloid precursor protein). Evidence suggests cleavage of APP by gamma-secretase and the production of Abeta (42 aa) is likely to play a important or casual role in the development of Alzheimer's disease.