Non-hydrolytic functions of acetylcholinesterase. The significance of C-terminal peptides

FEBS J. 2008 Feb;275(4):604-11. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2007.06235.x. Epub 2008 Jan 17.

Abstract

This review explores the possibility that acetylcholinesterase may play a pivotal, non-hydrolytic role in neurodegeneration. More specifically, C-terminal sequences of acetylcholinesterase may act as signalling molecules in key brain regions characteristically vulnerable to Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and motor neuron disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholinesterase / chemistry
  • Acetylcholinesterase / metabolism*
  • Alzheimer Disease / enzymology
  • Alzheimer Disease / pathology
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Motor Neuron Disease / enzymology
  • Motor Neuron Disease / pathology
  • Nerve Degeneration / enzymology
  • Nerve Degeneration / pathology
  • Parkinson Disease / enzymology
  • Parkinson Disease / pathology
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Peptides / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*

Substances

  • Peptides
  • Acetylcholinesterase