Identification of an Acetylcholinesterase Fragment that Promotes Alzheimer β-Amyloid Fibril Formation

Senile plaques are the main neuropathological feature of AD, and are formed by extracellular amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) fibrils and dystrophic neuntes. Several cellular proteins have been found within Aβ deposits, including apolipoprotein E, α1,-antichymotrypsin and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). AChE has been found to co-localize with Aβ deposits such as those present in pre-amyloid diffuse deposits, mature senile plaques and cerebral blood vessels. Primate studies have shown that AChE may be deposited in plaques during the early stages of amyloid formation. Therefore, the diffuse deposition of AChE together with Aβ, may represent an early step in the development of amyloid fibrils.