Definition

A protein complex found in the cell membrane that has an enzyme that cuts proteins, such as Notch and APP, into smaller pieces called peptides. When gamma secretase cuts Notch and APP at the wrong site, abnormal activation of Notch and APP cell signaling pathways may occur. This may cause uncontrolled cell growth and division and damaged cells to survive. Abnormalities in gamma secretase may lead to diseases such cancer and Alzheimer disease.