γ-
Secretase is a multi-
subunit aspartyl protease that regulates signaling pathways by proteolytically cleaving substrates, abrogating or releasing signaling molecules. One well-
known substrate of this enzyme is Notch, a transmembrane receptor that plays a key role in cell fate decisions including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. LY411575 is a cell-
permeable γ-
secretase inhibitor (IC
50 = 0.14 nM) that has been shown to block Notch activation
in vitro at 500 μM.
1,2 LY411575 can induce apoptosis in Kaposi’s sarcoma cells as well as promote intestinal goblet cell differentiation in a mouse model of colitis.
2,3 It has also been observed to promote neural differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells.
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