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Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Quantitative Measurement of γ-Secretase-mediated Amyloid Precursor Protein and Notch Cleavage in Cell-based Luciferase Reporter Assay Platforms
Published on: January 25, 2018
gamma-Secretase as a target for drug intervention in Alzheimer's disease
Timothy Harrison1, Ian Churcher, Dirk Beher
1Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories, The Neuroscience Research Centre, Terlings Park, Harlow Essex CM20 2QR, UK. timothy_harrison@merck.com
Abstract:
gamma-Secretase is a critical enzyme involved in the production of amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide, one of the main pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. gamma-Secretase cleaves the beta-amyloid precursor protein (betaAPP) at a position predicted to be within the membrane. In addition to betaAPP, gamma-secretase cleaves a range of other substrates. Thus, a key question in the development of gamma-secretase inhibitors for preventing Abeta production is whether undesired mechanism-based side effects may result from inhibition of cleavage of other substrates, and if so whether a suitable window exists to reduce brain Abeta. In this review, progress in the development of small-molecule inhibitors will be described, and potential toxicity issues associated with the development of gamma-secretase inhibitors discussed.
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