Alpha-secretase
Alpha-secretase is hoped to offer a new way of treating/ preventing Alzheimers disease.
Once amyloid precursor protein (APP) crosses the cell membrane it is cleaved by a number of different enzymes. Alpha-secretase cleaves the protein in such a way as to produce protein fragments that are non-toxic. In addition to alpha-secretase, there are two other enzymes in the cell that can also cleave APP (beta and gamma-secretase). When these cleave APP the result is shorter, stickier fragments called beta-amyloid, which join together to produce the insoluble amyloid plaques.
Drugs are being developed which either stimulate alpha-secretase or block beta- and gamma-secretase
Once amyloid precursor protein (APP) crosses the cell membrane it is cleaved by a number of different enzymes. Alpha-secretase cleaves the protein in such a way as to produce protein fragments that are non-toxic. In addition to alpha-secretase, there are two other enzymes in the cell that can also cleave APP (beta and gamma-secretase). When these cleave APP the result is shorter, stickier fragments called beta-amyloid, which join together to produce the insoluble amyloid plaques.
Drugs are being developed which either stimulate alpha-secretase or block beta- and gamma-secretase
