Beta-secretase 1

Beta-secretase 1 (BACE1), also known as beta-site APP cleaving enzyme 1, beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1, memapsin-2 and Asp2, is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the BACE1 gene. BACE1 is an aspartic-acid protease important in the formation of myelin sheaths in peripheral nerve cells. The transmembrane protein contains two active site dipeptides, Asp32 and Asp228, and it cleaves the amyloid precursor protein (APP) to produce amyloid beta peptides, which accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients.

Function

BACE1 is a critical enzyme in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, and is responsible for the cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) into amyloid beta peptides. These peptides can aggregate to form amyloid plaques, which are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. BACE1 is also involved in the formation of myelin sheaths in peripheral nerve cells, a process that is critical for the proper functioning of the nervous system.

Clinical significance

Given its role in the production of amyloid beta peptides, BACE1 is a major target for drug development in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Several BACE1 inhibitors have been developed and are currently in clinical trials. However, these drugs have so far been unsuccessful in slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease, possibly due to the complex nature of the disease and the multiple roles of BACE1 in the body.

See also

• Amyloid precursor protein
• Alzheimer's disease
• BACE2
• Beta-secretase

External links

• NCBI Gene
• UniProt

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