The amyloid precursor-like protein 1 (APLP1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the amyloid precursor protein (APP) family, which also includes APP and APLP2. While APP is widely studied for its role in Alzheimer’s disease due to its cleavage into amyloid-β peptides, APLP1 shares structural similarities but lacks the amyloidogenic domain. Primarily expressed in the nervous system, APLP1 is implicated in neuronal development, synaptic plasticity, and cell adhesion. It interacts with synaptic proteins and may regulate metal ion homeostasis, though its precise biological functions remain less defined compared to APP.
APLP1 antibodies are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and interactions. These antibodies are used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunoprecipitation to explore APLP1’s role in health and disease. Research suggests APLP1 may contribute to neurological disorders; for example, altered APLP1 levels have been observed in Alzheimer’s disease models, though its involvement is likely indirect. Intriguingly, APLP1 has also been linked to cancer progression, with studies reporting its overexpression in certain tumors, potentially influencing cell migration and invasion.
Despite its physiological relevance, APLP1 remains understudied. Antibody-specific challenges, such as cross-reactivity with APLP2 or APP, necessitate careful validation. Ongoing research aims to clarify APLP1’s dual roles in neuroprotection and pathology, as well as its utility as a diagnostic or therapeutic target.