This protein is expressed in almost all types of cells, and its functions are not well understood. However, an important role in primary processes leading to at least certain forms of Alzheimer's disease can be deduced from the role of APP mutations in familial forms of the disease. An important station in the processing of sensory information and in the brain circuits essential for memory formation . These compounds, known in food chemistry for a long time, are generated by non-enzymatic reaction of a sugar ketone or aldehyde group with free amino groups of proteins or amino acids. AGEs are subsequently formed as a mixture of heterocyclic compounds through a complex cascade of dehydration, condensation, fragmentation, oxidation and cyclization reactions.
Histochemical studies show that AGEs are components of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles .
Can be seen only in the electron microscope . An important role of abnormal tau metabolism in Alzheimer's disease can be deduced from data showing a good correlation between the progression of tau pathology and clinical symptoms .