In vitro method for monitoring the processing of a beta-amyloid precursor protein in cells, for the diagnosis or monitoring of a disease related to beta-amyloid or for the identification of inhibitors of beta-amyloid precursor and soluble fragment of beta-amyloid precursor protein

摘要

Processing of beta -amyloid precursor protein ( beta APP) is monitored by detecting the secretion of a soluble beta APP fragment resulting from cleavage of beta APP at the amino-terminus of beta -amyloid peptide. In vivo monitoring of secretion of the beta APP fragment may be monitored for diagnosis and prognosis of Alzheimer's disease and other beta -amyloid-related diseases, while in vitro monitoring of such secretion from cultured cells may be monitored to identify inhibitors of beta -amyloid production. The beta APP fragment may be detected using antibodies and other specific binding substances which recognize a carboxy-terminal residue on the fragment.