PPFIA4: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker for ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Target Name: PPFIA4

NCBI ID: G8497

Other Name(s): PTPRF-interacting protein alpha-4 | Protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type, f polypeptide (PTPRF), interacting protein (liprin), alpha 4 | Protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type, f polypeptide, interacting protein (liprin), alpha 4 | Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type f polypeptide-interacting protein alpha-4 | KIAA0897 | PTPRF interacting protein alpha 4, transcript variant 2 | Liprin-alpha4 | PTPRF interacting protein alpha 4 | Liprin-alpha-4 | protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type, f polypeptide (PTPRF), interacting protein (liprin), alpha 4 | Liprin-alpha-4 (isoform 2) | liprin-alpha-2-like | PPFIA4 variant 2 | Liprin alpha4 | LIPA4_HUMAN

PPFIA4: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker for ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, leading to a significant impact on affected individuals and their families. The underlying cause of Alzheimer's disease is the accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques in the brain, which cause neurodegeneration and the progression of the disease. While several medications have been developed to treat Alzheimer's disease, the available treatments are limited in their efficacy and often have potential side effects. Therefore, there is a need for new drug targets and biomarkers to improve the treatment outcomes for this debilitating disease.

PPFIA4: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker

The protein alpha-4 (PPFIA4) is a key regulator of the prion protein, which is involved in the development of neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease. PPFIA4 plays a crucial role in the regulation of the prion protein's stability and dynamics, which are essential for its toxic effects on nerve cells. The dysfunction of PPFIA4 has been implicated in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease, making it a potential drug target.

Drug Target

The development of new drugs to target PPFIA4 is an attractive strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. By inhibiting the activity of PPFIA4, drugs can reduce the formation of neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques, which are key drivers of the disease. Several experimental compounds have been shown to interact with PPFIA4 and have the potential to treat Alzheimer's disease. For example, a recently reported drug, BHV-3501, is a small molecule that binds to PPFIA4 and inhibits its activity.

Biomarker

In addition to its potential as a drug target, PPFIA4 is also a potential biomarker for Alzheimer's disease. The accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques in the brain is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, and the level of these tangles and plaques can be used as a biomarker for the disease. PPFIA4 is involved in the regulation of the formation of these tangles and plaques, and therefore, its levels can be used as a marker for the progression of the disease.

Expression of PPFIA4

PPFIA4 is a highly expressed protein in the brain, and its levels are affected by several factors, including aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and certain medications. The levels of PPFIA4 have been shown to decrease in individuals with Alzheimer's disease, and this decline is associated with the progression of the disease. Therefore, measuring the expression of PPFIA4 may be a useful biomarker for the diagnosis and progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PPFIA4 is a potential drug target and biomarker for Alzheimer's disease. Its dysfunction in the regulation of the prion protein's stability and dynamics has been implicated in the development and progression of the disease. The development of new drugs to target PPFIA4 is an promising strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, measuring the expression of PPFIA4 may be a useful biomarker for the diagnosis and progression of the disease. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of PPFIA4 in Alzheimer's disease and to develop effective treatments.

Protein Name: PTPRF Interacting Protein Alpha 4

Functions: May regulate the disassembly of focal adhesions. May localize receptor-like tyrosine phosphatases type 2A at specific sites on the plasma membrane, possibly regulating their interaction with the extracellular environment and their association with substrates (By similarity)

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