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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
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Purification and Aggregation of the Amyloid Precursor Protein Intracellular Domain
Published on: August 28, 2012
Progress towards testing the amyloid hypothesis: inhibitors of APP processing.
R E Olson1, R A Copeland, D Seiffert
1DuPont Pharmaceuticals Company, Chemical and Physical Sciences, Experimental Station, E500/2805, Route 141 & Henry Clay Road, Wilmington, DE 19880-0500, USA. Richard.E.Olson@DuPontpharma.com
Current Opinion in Drug Discovery & Development
|December 1, 2001
Summary
Alzheimer's disease, a common dementia, may stem from amyloid-beta protein buildup. This review explores therapies targeting secretase enzymes to reduce this protein accumulation for potential Alzheimer's treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia and a significant public health concern.
- The amyloid hypothesis posits that AD pathogenesis involves the aberrant accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides in the brain.
- Current research focuses on developing therapies to reduce the brain's amyloid burden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding the secretase enzymes responsible for Aβ production.
- To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting these secretase activities for AD treatment.
- To summarize progress in identifying small molecule inhibitors for beta- and gamma-secretase.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical and early clinical research on Alzheimer's disease.
- Analysis of biochemical pathways involved in amyloid-beta peptide formation.
- Examination of therapeutic strategies targeting secretase inhibition.
Main Results:
- Progress has been made in understanding the roles of beta- and gamma-secretase in Aβ generation.
- Various therapeutic strategies aimed at inhibiting these secretases are under investigation.
- Identification of small molecule inhibitors targeting these enzymes shows promise.
Conclusions:
- Inhibiting beta- and gamma-secretase represents a key therapeutic avenue for reducing amyloid burden in Alzheimer's disease.
- Continued research into secretase inhibitors is crucial for developing effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
- Targeting secretase activity offers a rational approach to combatting Alzheimer's disease pathology.
