BACE1 (β-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1) is a transmembrane aspartyl protease responsible for cleaving the amyloid precursor protein (APP). BACE1-mediated cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) is the first step during the generation of pathogenic amyloid-β peptides, hence making it the major drug target for Alzheimer′s disease (AD). Increased levels of enzymatic activity of BACE1 was found in cerebrospinal fluid from patients having both mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD, thereby suggesting the importance of BACE1 enzymatic activity in conversion of MCI to AD.
