This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate course at UW-Madison.
PSEN1 protein and APP
One of four major proteins found in the presenilin complex, PSEN1 is encoded for by the PSEN1 gene as described by the central dogma. This PSEN1 protein is then utilized in regulating the levels of amyloid precursor protein (APP) produced in the brain. An overproduction of this APP leads to the formation of the neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques present in those with Alzheimer's, seen below:
Figure 1. Illustration of how APP and gamma-secretase are involved in the overproduction of senile plaques, leading to cell death, in Alzheimer's.
The produced senile plaques, causing neuronal cell death and decay, often leads to decreased brain function and efficiency [1]. Together, this information illustrates the complexity of Alzheimer's, how PSEN1, a protein involved in the regulation of both APP and gamma-secretase, is the start of the disease phenotype chain reaction. Attempts to regulate of these proteins present in the disease pathway is the focus of this research.
For information regarding Homo sapiens PSEN1, follow one of the below links:
PSEN1 Protein Information
PSEN1 Protein FASTA
For information regarding Homo sapiens PSEN1, follow one of the below links:
PSEN1 Protein Information
PSEN1 Protein FASTA
psen1 in other organisms
PSEN1, much like its genetic counterpart PSEN1, is found throughout mammals as an essential neurological protein. This establishes the usefulness of studying PSEN1, essentially as it can be traced through other organisms back to a common ancestor, observed through both homology and phylogeny. In addition, protein domains can be constructed using motifs to establish the conservation through various species [2]. Going forward, a protein interaction network can be constructed for PSEN1, to illustrate both the complexity and cellular involvement this protein has on other parts of the human body [3].
For any additional information regarding PSEN1, follow one of the links below:
Protein Homology
Protein Phylogeny
Protein Motifs and Domains
Protein Interaction Networks
For any additional information regarding PSEN1, follow one of the links below:
Protein Homology
Protein Phylogeny
Protein Motifs and Domains
Protein Interaction Networks
REFERENCES
Cover Photo: obtained from http://wallpaper-kid.com/protein-structure-wallpaper.htm
Figure 1: obtained from http://www.jci.org/articles/view/25100/figure/2
[1] Cras, P., M. Kawai, D. Lowery, P. Gonzalez-DeWhitt, B. Greenberg, and G. Perry. "Senile Plaque Neurites in Alzheimer Disease Accumulate Amyloid Precursor Protein." NCBI. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Sept. 1991. Web. 27 Mar. 2015.
[2] http://www.ebi.ac.uk/training/online/course/introduction-protein-classification-ebi/protein-classification/what-are-protein-domains
[3] http://string-db.org/
Figure 1: obtained from http://www.jci.org/articles/view/25100/figure/2
[1] Cras, P., M. Kawai, D. Lowery, P. Gonzalez-DeWhitt, B. Greenberg, and G. Perry. "Senile Plaque Neurites in Alzheimer Disease Accumulate Amyloid Precursor Protein." NCBI. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Sept. 1991. Web. 27 Mar. 2015.
[2] http://www.ebi.ac.uk/training/online/course/introduction-protein-classification-ebi/protein-classification/what-are-protein-domains
[3] http://string-db.org/