The role of metallobiology and amyloid-β peptides in Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

The biggest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease is the process of ageing, but the mechanisms that lead to the manifestation of the disease remain to be elucidated. Why age triggers the disease is unclear but an emerging theme is the inability for a cell to efficiently maintain many key processes such as energy production, repair, and regenerative mechanisms. Metal ions are essential to the metabolic function of every cell. This review will explore the role and reported changes in metal ions in Alzheimer disease, particularly the brain, blood and cerebral spinal fluid, emphasizing how iron, copper and zinc may be involved through the interactions with amyloid precursor protein, the proteolyti..