Beta-secretase
Beta-secretase, also known as beta-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), is an enzyme crucial in the production of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides, which accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer’s disease patients. BACE1 initiates the cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) into smaller fragments, including Aβ, thereby playing a key role in the formation of amyloid plaques—a defining feature of Alzheimer’s pathology. Given its pivotal role in this process, BACE1 is a significant target for Alzheimer’s disease therapeutics. Inhibiting BACE1 activity is a promising strategy aimed at reducing Aβ production and potentially slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, making it a focus of extensive pharmaceutical research.