Final answer:
Beta-amyloid peptides are produced by the enzymatic cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by beta-secretase (BACE1) and gamma-secretase enzymes. The unregulated formation of these peptides can lead to amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease. Research focuses on understanding these processes to develop therapeutic strategies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Beta-amyloid peptides are produced from the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by the enzymatic activity of specific enzymes. These enzymes include beta-secretase (BACE1) and gamma-secretase, which cleave APP at different sites. The cleavage by these enzymes is a crucial step in the formation of beta-amyloid peptides.
The accumulation of beta-amyloid peptides is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, leading to the formation of extracellular amyloid plaques that disrupt neuronal function. While normal processes include the degradation of excess peptides, unregulated peptide formation leads to plaque formation and is implicated in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis.
Understanding the role of amyloid plaques and neurodegenerative mechanisms has been significant in researching Alzheimer's disease, looking at how changes in the neural network and synaptic function, induced by Aβ peptides, contribute to cognitive impairment and neuron loss.