METHOD FOR SCREENING INHIBITORS OF THE GAMMA-SECRETASE

摘要

The invention relates to an improved process for the determination of the .gamma.-secretase activity, individual components of the process and the use of the process. The present invention relates to an improved process for the determination of the .gamma.-secretase activity and for the detection of .gamma.-secretase, a subunit protein of .gamma.-secretase, or a .gamma.~secretase-like proteinase; particular embodiments of the process relate on the one hand to processes for the identification of a .gamma.-secretase or of a cDNA which codes for a .gamma.-secretase, a subunit protein of .gamma.-secretase, or a .gamma.-secretase-like proteinase, and on the other hand to processes for the identification of substances which can inhibit the activity of a .gamma.-secretase, a subunit protein of .gamma.-~secretase, or a .gamma.-secretase-like proteinase. Such substances have particular importance, as they can be used, e.g., as pharmaceutical active compounds, e.g., for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.