Search
-
- Glossary
Secretases
Secretases are proteases that cleave proteins into smaller fragments, often membrane-bound in the case of transmembrane proteins. Cleavage produces intracellular fragments that can act as signals and extracellular fragments that are released into the environment. Some proteins, such as the amyloid precursor protein (APP), offer different cleavage sites for different secretases. Beta-amyloid, the main component of senile plaques, is formed when APP is first cleaved by β-secretase outside the membrane and then by γ-secretase inside the membrane.
-
- Glossary
Tau protein
Tau proteins are particularly prevalent in the central nervous system. Their function is to stabilize microtubules – the structures that give cells their shape and support. Under certain circumstances, enzymes attach too many phosphate groups to tau proteins. As a result, the proteins are no longer broken down properly and form toxic aggregates within the neurons. Alongside senile plaques, aggregated tau proteins are considered a classic hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
-
- Page
Glossary
15.03.2017
-
- Diseases
- Alzheimer's disease
Dementia worry: The Bogeyman of old Age
The fear of developing dementia oneself is widespread.
11.11.2025
-
- News from the Institutes
Insights into Smelling Problems Associated with Alzheimer’s
Tests of the sense of smell could help identify people who are developing Alzheimer’s at an earlier stage
15.08.2025
-
- News from the Institutes
Insights into Smelling Problems Associated with Alzheimer’s
Tests of the sense of smell could help identify people who are developing Alzheimer’s at an earlier stage
15.08.2025
-
- News from the Institutes
Insights into Smelling Problems Associated with Alzheimer’s
Tests of the sense of smell could help identify people who are developing Alzheimer’s at an earlier stage
15.08.2025
-
- Basics
- Communication of Cells
Neurotransmitters: Messenger Molecules in the Brain
“Happy hormone” & Co.: Without neurotransmitters, nerve cells would not be able to communicate.
05.08.2025
