The role of intra-axonal protein synthesis in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by accumulations in the brain of beta-amyloid, a protein fragment, and abnormal tau protein. According to current research, neurons that suffer beta-amyloid or tau build-up possess increased levels of molecules that promote the translation of proteins from genes. These studies, however, have focused on protein-making events that occur throughout the entire cell. Some researchers have begun focusing on protein translation that occurs in specific areas of the cell called the axons. Axons are armlike structures that help transport nutrients and other compounds to various cellular compartments.