memapsin 2

(me-maps'in),

A transmembrane aspartic endopeptidase that is a candidate beta-secretase and a potential drug target for Alzheimer disease

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memapsin 1

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Structure-based design: potent inhibition of human brain memapsin 2 ([beta]-secretase).

[beta]-secretase (BACE1)-inhibiting stilbenoids from Smilax Rhizoma

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (Oklahoma City, OK) has patented methods for the production of purified, catalytically active, recombinant memapsin 2. The substrate and subsite specificity of the catalytically active enzyme have been determined.

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation obtains United States patent

Scientists at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF), Oklahoma City, have successfully designed a highly potent inhibitor for Memapsin 2, the enzyme believed to be directly responsible for Alzheimer's disease.

The enzyme and inhibitor concept for Memapsin 2 is similar to the protease inhibitors created to fight HIV and AIDS.

Because Memapsin 2 only cuts the larger protein in a very specific place, Tang and his team were able to create a "decoy," whose chemical structure resembled the area where Memapsin 2 always cuts.

The inhibitor acts as a sticky substance, similar to a "chemical chewing gum." Once Memapsin 2 adheres to the decoy, the enzyme is completely disabled.