Therapeutic targeting of the alpha-secretase pathway to treat Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and degenerative disorder pathophysiologically characterized by the accumulation of beta-amyloid peptides (A-beta) in the brain. A-beta is indicated to be the primary agent in the pathogenesis of AD. A-beta is generated from the amyloid precursor protein (APP) via two proteolytic enzymes, beta- and gamma-secretases. Alpha-secretase conducts an alternative proteolytic cleavage that prevents A-beta production and accumulation. Elevating levels of alpha-secretase cleavage, therefore, is a potential therapeutic strategy to treat AD.
Zhang
Can
C
Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Saunders
Aleister J
AJ
D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D053829:Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides / Q000378:metabolism; D016564:Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology
D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides; D016564:Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor; D053829:Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases