Understanding the Insulin-Degrading Enzyme: A New Look at Alzheimer’s Disease and Aβ Plaque Management

Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) plays a critical role in regulating insulin levels in various tissues, including the brain, liver, and kidneys. In type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), key features include insulin resistance, elevated insulin levels in the blood, and hyperglycemia. In this context, the function of IDE becomes particularly important; however, in T2DM, IDE’s function can be impaired. Notably, individuals with T2DM have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD), suggesting that impaired IDE function may contribute to both diabetes and neurodegeneration. IDE has been studied for its ability to degrade Amyloid-β peptides, the primary constituents of amyloid plaques in AD. However, its role in Aβ clearance in vivo remains debated due to limited enzymatic efficacy under physiological conditions and differences in subcellular localization between IDE and its putative substrate. Other proteases, such as neprilysin, appear to play a more prominent role in preventing plaque formation. Additionally, the long-standing hypothesis that insulin competes with Aβ for IDE activity has been questioned, as brain insulin levels are too low to inhibit Aβ degradation significantly. Genetic variants in the IDE gene have been associated with increased AD risk, although the mechanisms by which they alter enzyme function are not yet fully understood. A deeper understanding of IDE’s role in the context of both metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases may provide valuable insights for the development of new therapeutic strategies.