The Basic Biology of BACE1: A Key Therapeutic Target for Alzheimer's Disease.

ABSTRACT: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an intractable, neurodegenerative disease that appears to be brought about by both genetic and non-genetic factors. The neuropathology associated with AD is complex, although amyloid plaques composed of the beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta) are hallmark neuropathological lesions of AD brain. Indeed, Abeta plays an early and central role in this disease. beta-site amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is the initiating enzyme in Abeta genesis and BACE1 levels are elevated under a variety of conditions. Given the strong correlation between Abeta and AD, and the elevation of BACE1 in this disease, this enzyme is a prime drug target for inhibiting Abeta production in AD. However, nine years on from the initial identification of BACE1, and despite inte

SUBMITTER: Cole SL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2647160 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature