PE Anti-Nicastrin antibody [002]

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Nicastrin also known as NAS is an integral component of the gamma-secretase complex. This protein interacts mechanically by assisting in substrate recognition and stabilization within the complex. Nicastrin has a molecular weight of approximately 75 kDa. It is predominantly expressed in various tissues including the brain where it plays significant role in neuronal functions.

Biological function summary

Nicastrin functions as a part of the gamma-secretase complex which also includes presenilin anterior pharynx defective 1 (APH-1) and presenilin enhancer 2 (PEN-2). This complex is essential for intramembrane proteolysis of type I membrane proteins such as amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Notch. The activity of nicastrin influences processes like synaptic organization and neuronal development.

Pathways

Gamma-secretase activity facilitated by nicastrin is central in the Notch signaling pathway and the amyloidogenic pathway. In the Notch pathway it helps release the Notch intracellular domain important for T-cell development. In the amyloidogenic pathway the complex processes APP contributing to amyloid-beta peptide formation. Beta-secretase (BACE1) also plays an important role in this pathway acting upstream of gamma-secretase.

Associated diseases and disorders

The imbalance in nicastrin function connects it to Alzheimer's disease and certain cancers. Its role in amyloid-beta peptide production links nicastrin to Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. In cancer the deregulation of Notch signaling in which nicastrin is involved influences tumor progression and survival. The interaction of nicastrin with presenilin is particularly notable in these conditions further emphasizing its significance in disease mechanisms.