METHODS OF SCREENING FOR BETA-AMYLOID PEPTIDE PRODUCTION INHIBITORS

摘要

Processing of .beta.-amyloid precursor protein (.beta.APP) is monitored by detecting the secretion of a soluble amino-terminal fragment or .beta.APP (ATF-.beta.APP) resulting from cleavage of .beta.APP at the amino-terminus of .beta.-amyloid peptide. Secretion of ATF-.beta.APP in animal models may be monitored to identify inhibitors of .beta.-amyloid production. The ATF-.beta.APP may be detected using antibodies and other specific binding substances which recognize a carboxy terminal residue on the fragment. Animals expressing the Swedish mutation of .beta.APP are described which produce abundant amounts of ATF-.beta.APP.