Recombinant Human BACE1/ASP2 Protein

Beta-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is an aspartic-acid protease important in the formation of myelin sheaths in peripheral nerve cells. In the brain; This protein is expressed highly in the substantia nigra; locus coruleus and medulla oblongata. Strong BACE1 expression has also been described in pancreatic tissue. BACE1 has a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. In Alzheimer's disease patients; BACE1 levels were elevated although mRNA levels were not changed. It has been found that BACE1 gene expression is controlled by a TATA-less promoter. The translational repression as a new mechanism controlling its expression. And the low concentrations of Ca (2+) (microM range) significantly increased the proteolytic activity of BACE1. Furthermore; BACE1 protein is ubiquitinated; and the degradation of BACE1 proteins and amyloid precursor protein processing are regulated by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. It has also been identified as the rate limiting enzyme for amyloid-beta-peptide (Abeta) production.

Measured by its ability to cleave a fluorescent peptide substrate Mca-Ser-Glu-Val-Asn-Leu-Asp-Ala-Glu-Phe-Arg-Lys (Dpn) -Arg-Arg-NH2 (Catalog# ES004, R&D Systems) . Cleavage of ES004 can be measured using excitation and emission wavelength of 320 and 405 nm, respectively. The specific activity is > 3. 5 pmoles/min/μg.

Generally, lyophilized proteins are stable for up to 12 months when stored at -20 to -80°C. Reconstituted protein solution can be stored at 4-8°C for 2-7 days. Aliquots of reconstituted samples are stable at < -20°C for 3 months.