Modulation of Aβ levels by β-secretase BACE2
AssigneeScios, Inc.
InventorsBarbara Cordell, Frauke Schimmöller, Yu-Wang Liu, Diana Hom Quon
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Abstract
The present invention is based on the findings that BACE 2, a homolog of β-secretase BACE, is able to stimulate processing of APP in a non-amyloidogenic pathway, thereby suppressing the level of Aβ. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods and means for the identification and use of modulators of this unique activity of BACE 2 to suppress Aβ production. The compounds identified using the methods and means provided herein may be used as potential candidates for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other neurological diseases.
Claims27
A method of modulating the enzymatic production of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) from β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) or a fragment thereof, comprising contacting said APP or APP fragment with a BACE2 polypeptide or an agonist or antagonist thereof.
A method of inhibiting the formation of a β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) from β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) or a fragment thereof, comprising contacting said APP or APP fragment with a BACE2 polypeptide or an agonist thereof.
A method of inhibiting the release of a full-length β-amyloid (Aβ) polypeptide from ±3-amyloid precursor protein (APP) or a fragment thereof, comprising cleaving said APP or APP fragment by a BACE2 polypeptide or an agonist thereof at a site interfering with β-secretase processing of said APP or APP fragment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.