< b>Beta-secretase: An enzyme that appears to be directly involved in the
early development of Alzheimer's disease. Beta-secretase is a protease (an enzyme
that catalyses the splitting of interior peptide bonds in a protein). Beta-secretase
acts by trimming off a protein protruding from a brain cell. This small snip is
thought to be the first step in the buildup of microscopic balls of debris known
as amyloid that are toxic to brain cells. The brain cells (neurons) gradually die
and with them slowly go the person's memory and other mental faculties.
The discovery of beta-secretase was made in 1999 and may lead to the development
of drugs designed to block this enzyme and hopefully block the progression of Alzheimer's
disease.
For additional information:
Vassar R. et al. Beta-Secretase Cleavage of Alzheimer's Amyloid Precursor
Protein by the Transmembrane Aspartic Protease BACE. Science (Oct 22 1999) 286:
735-740. (The original research report.)
Pennisi E. Enzymes Point Way to Potential Alzheimer's Therapies. Science
(Oct 22 1999) 286: 650-651. (The accompanying commentary on the discovery.)
medical
dictionary, online medical dictionary, medical
terminology dictionary, free online medical
dictionary, medical dictionary, online medical
dictionary, medical terminology dictionary, free
online medical dictionary, dictionary medical,
dictionary medical online, dictionary medical
terminology, dictionary free medical online,
dictionary free medical, dictionary medical
terms, dictionary drug medical medicine,
dictionary health illustrated medical nursing
profession stedmans, dictionary English medical,
dictionary medical online terminology,
dictionary encyclopedia medical online,
condition dictionary medical, dictionary
medical, dictionary drug medical, medical
dictionary software, cyclopedic dictionary index
medical tabers thumb, medical dictionary, online
medical dictionary, medical terminology
dictionary
