Presenilin

Presenilin is a protein that plays a critical role in the brain by helping form a complex called gamma-secretase, which is involved in processing other proteins. One important function of presenilin is to help break down a protein called amyloid precursor protein (APP). When APP is properly processed, it produces a form of amyloid-beta. Excessive or abnormal processing can lead to the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Mutations in presenilin genes are linked to early-onset Alzheimer’s, indicating its key role in maintaining normal brain function and protein processing.