This gene encodes amyloid precursor- like protein 2 (APLP2), which is a member of the APP (amyloid precursor protein) family including APP, APLP1 and APLP2. This protein is ubiquitously expressed. It contains heparin-, copper- and zinc- binding domains at the N-terminus, BPTI/Kunitz inhibitor and E2 domains in the middle region, and transmembrane and intracellular domains at the C-terminus. This protein interacts with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. The synergy of this protein and the APP is required to mediate neuromuscular transmission, spatial learning and synaptic plasticity. This protein has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Multiple alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been identified.
