CryoEm structure of gamma secretase: a key component in Alzheimer neurodegenerative disease

Alzheimer disease (AD) is characterised by the accumulation of beta amyloid peptide cut from a transmembrane precursor. A large intramembrane complex carries out the proteolysis: gamma-secretase, containing the protease presenilin and other three proteins (nicastrin, aph1, pen2). G-secretase is involved also in the proteolysis mediated signaling cascade by the transmembrane receptors Notch1 and Erb4, regulating cell growth and differentiation.