[Lys22]-beta-Amyloid (1-42), Italian Mutation

This is amino acids 1 to 42 fragment of the beta-amyloid peptide, with lysine substituted for glutamic acid at position 22 found in Italian families with Alzheimer's disease. The Italian mutation of beta -amyloid 1 to 42 (E22K) aggregates more rapidly and with more potent neurotoxicity than wild-type beta-amyloid (1-42). The formation of a salt bridge between Lys22 and Asp23 in the minor conformer might be a reason why E22K is more pathogenic than wild-type beta-amyloid (1-42).