SensiZyme BACE1 Activity Assay Kit

BACE1 (β-secretase or beta-site APP-cleaving enzyme) and γ-secretase are proteases that cleave the amyloid precursor protein (APP) to produce amyloid beta peptide (Aβ). The accumulation of Aβ in the brain is believed to be a primary cause for the progression of Alzheimer′s disease. Knockout studies show that BACE1 is critical for Aβ generation. Transgenic mice lacking BACE1 do not produce Aβ, but show an otherwise normal phenotype with no detrimental effects on viability or morphology. This raises the possibility that therapeutic BACE1 inhibition could be accomplished without major toxicity.

The BACE1 Activity Assay Kit provides all the reagents required for highly sensitive detection of BACE1 activity in cell extracts, cell culture media, tissue extracts, and purified enzyme preparations, and also for inhibitor screening. The protease activity measurement is based on a multistep series of reactions. This assay is sensitive and specific. The enhanced sensitivity is achieved by the signal amplification via the chain reaction. The specificity is achieved by both the immunochemical isolation of the BACE1 enzyme from the extract by specific antibodies bound to the 96-well plate, and the use of an enzyme substrate (Substrate A) containing a BACE1 specific cleavage site.