The functions and signaling pathways induced by the interactions of APP–related molecules with p75NTR

p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) regulates diverse functions, including survival, differentiation, growth, and apoptosis of neurons, through its association with a number of molecules. Accumulating evidence shows that ?-amyloid precursor protein (APP)–related molecules, which also regulate multiple neuronal functions, interact with p75NTR. APP is cleaved by secretases to generate several proteins including soluble ?-amyloid precursor protein alpha (sAPP?), sAPP?, and amyloid ? (A?). Binding of A? to p75NTR induces neuronal death. In contrast, sAPP? directly interacts with p75NTR to enhance neurite outgrowth through the activation of protein kinase A (PKA). This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms and functions occurring as a consequence of interactions of p75NTR with APP–related molecules