Nicastrin

Nicastrin, also known as NCSTN, is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the NCSTN is_associated_with::gene.

Nicastrin (abbreviated NCT) is a is_associated_with::protein that is part of the is_associated_with::gamma secretase is_associated_with::protein complex, which is one of the is_associated_with::proteases involved in processing is_associated_with::amyloid precursor protein (APP) to the short is_associated_with::Alzheimer's disease-associated peptide is_associated_with::amyloid beta. The other proteins in the complex are is_associated_with::presenilin, which is the catalytically active component of the complex, is_associated_with::APH-1 (anterior pharynx-defective 1), and is_associated_with::PEN-2 (presenilin enhancer 2). Nicastrin itself is not catalytically active, but instead promotes the maturation and proper trafficking of the other proteins in the complex, all of which undergo significant is_associated_with::post-translational modification before becoming active in the cell. Nicastrin has also been identified as a regulator of is_associated_with::neprilysin, an is_associated_with::enzyme involved in the degradation of amyloid beta fragment.

History
The protein was named after the Italian village is_associated_with::Nicastro, reflecting the fact that Alzheimer's disease was described in 1963 after studying descendants of an extended family originating in the village of Nicastro that had is_associated_with::Familial Alzheimer's Disease (FAD).

Interactions
Nicastrin has been shown to interact with is_associated_with::PSEN1    and is_associated_with::PSEN2.