Beta-secretase cleaving enzyme (BACE1)

Beta-secretase, also known as beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), is a membrane-associated aspartic protease that plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. BACE1 initiates the production of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides by cleaving the amyloid precursor protein (APP) at the β-site, which is then further processed by γ-secretase to release Aβ peptides. These peptides can aggregate and form plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease pathology. Therapeutic inhibition or genetic deletion of BACE1 reduces all forms of Aβ production—including pathogenic forms implicated in Alzheimer’s disease—making it an attractive drug target for modifying disease progression. However, because it also processes other physiological substrates, complete inhibition may have side effects.

Other names

Beta-site APP cleaving enzyme 1Beta-site AbetaPP-cleaving enzymeMemapsin-2Aspartyl protease 2ASP2

Inhibition of BACE1 reduces amyloid-beta production