The amyloid precursor protein is so named, because a proteolytic fragment of it was found associated with a neuropathic disorder now known as Alzheimer’s disease. This fragment, Aβ, along with tau makes up the plaques and tangles that are the hallmark of AD. Iron (and other first-row transition metals) is found associated with these proteinaceous deposits. Much research has focused on the relationship of the plaques and iron to the etiology of the disease. This commentary asks another question, one only more recently addressed namely, what is the physiologic function of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and of its secretase-generated soluble species? Overall, the data make clear that APP and its products have neurotrophic functions and some data indicate one of these may be to modulate the trafficking of iron in the brain.

中文翻译：

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脑铁运输是否是淀粉样前体蛋白生理的一部分？

淀粉样蛋白前体蛋白之所以被命名，是因为发现其蛋白水解片段与现在称为阿尔茨海默氏病的神经性疾病有关。该片段Aβ与tau一起构成了AD的斑块和缠结。发现铁（和其他第一行过渡金属）与这些蛋白质沉积物有关。许多研究集中在斑块和铁与疾病病因的关系上。这篇评论提出了另一个问题，最近才解决的一个问题是淀粉样前体蛋白（APP）及其分泌酶产生的可溶性物种的生理功能是什么？总体而言，数据清楚地表明APP及其产品具有神经营养功能，一些数据表明其中之一可能是调节脑中铁的运输。