Identification of B-Amyloid Precursor Protein Ligands

Alzheimer’s disease is considered by some to be caused by brain deposits of amyloid beta (Aß) protein plaques. These plaques are formed by the accumulation of a toxic molecule called Aß peptides. This peptide originates from the cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by proteolytic enzymes called secretases. Understanding the factor(s) that are instrumental in initiating the APP cleavage cascade would be important for the development of drugs to prevent and treat this disease. An APP ligand that can regulate the processing of APP could be a major therapeutic target. It is hoped that modulators of this interaction, once discovered, might be used to create safe and specific Alzheimers disease drugs with limited toxic side effects.