Figure 9.

Perlecan and other HSPGs postulated in the pathogenesis of amyloidosis in general, and in AD in particular. The schematic outlines the various effects that perlecan and other HSPGs are postulated to play in the pathogenesis of amyloidosis in general and AD in particular. This was hypothesized by Snow and Wight in 1989. HSPGs were postulated to: (1) influence amyloid precursor protein processing; (2) bind to amyloid proteins; (3) cause an increased aggregation of amyloid proteins; (4) accelerate amyloid fibrils formation; (5) stabilize; (6) protect amyloid from protease degradation; and (7) inhibit amyloid clearance and removal. All of these have now been shown to be true (Snow and Wight, 1989).