Memapsin 2 (beta-secretase) as a therapeutic target

Biochem Soc Trans. 2002 Aug;30(4):530-4. doi: 10.1042/bst0300530.

Abstract

As beta-secretase, memapsin 2 cleaves amyloid-beta precursor protein, which leads ultimately to the onset of Alzheimer's disease. As such, memapsin 2 is an excellent target of inhibitor drugs for the treatment of this disease. Here we describe the tools for memapsin 2 inhibitor design that have been developed and results from the structure-based inhibitor design. Strategy for the design of memapsin 2 inhibitors with pharmaceutical potential is also discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / drug therapy*
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases
  • Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases / metabolism*
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Drug Design
  • Endopeptidases
  • Humans
  • Oligopeptides / chemistry
  • Oligopeptides / therapeutic use*
  • Protease Inhibitors / chemistry*
  • Protease Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Protease Inhibitors / therapeutic use

Substances

  • OM99-2
  • Oligopeptides
  • Protease Inhibitors
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases
  • Endopeptidases
  • Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases
  • BACE1 protein, human