Patent ID: 7087399
Filing Date: 2006-08-08
Classification: A61K,A61P,C07K,C12N,C12Q,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of identifying a compound capable of altering β-secretase activity, comprising the steps of: contacting an isolated and purified human β-secretase enzyme characterized by (i) having a pH optimum at about pH 6-6.5, (ii) an estimated molecular weight of about 32-39 kDa as calculated from radiation inactivation analysis of HEK293 cell membrane extracts, or about 20-26 kDa as calculated from radiation inactivation analysis of human brain samples, and (iii) insensitivity to statine substrate analog inhibitor (statVal), with a candidate compound, in the presence of a β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) substrate of said β-secretase enzyme to perform enzymatic cleavage of said substrate; and monitoring the effect of the candidate compound on the activity of said β-secretase enzyme, and thereby identifying the compound.