A Presenilin 1 Mutation Associated with Familial Frontotemporal Dementia Inhibits γ-Secretase Cleavage of APP and Notch

Abstract

A novel presenilin 1 mutation, insR352, associated with a frontal temporal dementia phenotype has been identified (E. A. Rogaeva et al., 2001, Neurology 57, 621–625). This mutation does not increase Aβ42 levels, but instead acts as dominant negative presenilin, decreasing amyloid β protein (Aβ) production by inhibiting γ-secretase cleavage of the Aβ precursor. The distinct clinical phenotype associated with this mutation suggests that chronic partial inhibition of γ-secretase activity may result in neurodegeneration.