Nicastrin Antibody

Nicastrin, also known as NCSTN, is aproteinthat is a part of the gamma secretase protein complex. It is mapped to 1q23.2. This gene is not catalytically active, but instead promotes the maturation and proper trafficking of the other proteins in the gamma secretaseprotein complex, all of which undergo significant post-translational modification before becoming active in the cell. NCSTN encodes a Type I transmembrane glycoprotein that is an integral component of the multimeric gamma-secretase complex. The encoded protein cleaves integral membrane proteins, including Notch receptors and beta-amyloid precursor protein, and may be a stabilizing cofactor required for gamma-secretase complex assembly. The cleavage of beta-amyloid precursor protein yields amyloid beta peptide, the main component of the neuritic plaque and the hallmark lesion in the brains of patients with Alzheimers disease. Nicastrin has also been identified as a regulator of neprilysin, an enzyme involved in the degradation of amyloid beta fragment.