MODULATION OF GAMMA-SECRETASE ACTIVITY

摘要

The present invention provides cell-free gamma-secretase activity. The method of the invention utilizes a membrane source of APP/gamma-secretase mixture in the assay to determine factors that may enhance or decrease enzymatic activity affecting beta-amyloid peptide production. The cell membranes used in the assay may be from cells expressing an endogenous APP or, preferably, cells expressing a recombinant APP. The APP may be full-length or a fragment capable of being proteolytically cleaved by gamma-secretase. In addition, the APP expressed in the cells may have one or more mutation, such as a point mutation, small deletion, etc.