With the discovery of BACE1 as the beta-secretase involved in the generation of beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptides in Alzheimer's disease (AD), we embarked on a series of studies to examine the functional roles of this transmembrane aspartyl protease. We have provided evidence to support our hypothesis that the distributions and levels of BACE1 and BACE2, along with APP, are key determinants of selective vulnerability of brain to Abeta amyloidosis. Importantly, deletion of BACE1 abolished Abeta deposition and prevented cognitive deficits occurring in brains of mutant APP;PS1 mice. Although BACE1 null mice do not exhibit overt developmental abnormalities, our recent studies show that these animals do manifest alterations in performance on tests of cognition and emotion. The goal of Project 1 is to assess the functional roles of BACE1 and BACE2 and to evaluate critically BACE1 as a high priority therapeutic target for treatment of AD. Thus, studies in Aim 1 are designed to examine whether deficits in synaptic functions or cognitive/behavioral abnormalities occur in BACET1-/-, BACE2-/-, or BACE1-/-;BACE2-/- mice.
In Aim 2, we plan to examine the link between abnormal accumulations of Abeta peptides and synaptic abnormalities occurring in APPswe;PS1deltaE9 mice. These studies are critical for Aim 3, which are designed to assess the degree of reversibility/recovery following experimental reductions of BACE1 at different stages of Abeta amyloidosis and degeneration. We anticipate that novel mechanism-based treatments such as BACE1 inhibitors will become available in the future, and it is therefore important to prospectively address the issues of the reversibility of Abeta induced abnormalities and the capacity of the brain to repair itself. Investigations in Aim 3 are designed to determine to what extent Abeta deposition and associated abnormalities can be reversed following reduction of BACE1 activity at various times after the initiation of Abeta deposition. Taken together, results from these studies will provide important information regarding the physiological roles of BACE1 and BACE2 and allow a critical evaluation of BACE1 as a therapeutic target in efforts to reduce Abeta burden in individuals with AD. Furthermore, these studies provide important information regarding potential mechanism based toxicities associated with anti-BACE1 therapy in humans that should be carefully monitored in clinical trials in the future.
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