Beta Secretase 2 (BACE2)

BACE2 (Beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 2) is a close homolog of BACE1, a protease known to be an important enzyme involved in the cellular pathways that some believe lead to Alzheimer's disease. The physiological function and role of BACE2 in Alzheimer's disease is unknown. Cerebral deposition of amyloid beta peptide is an early and critical feature of Alzheimer's disease and a frequent complication of Down syndrome. Amyloid beta peptide is generated by proteolytic cleavage of amyloid precursor protein by 2 proteases, one of which is the protein encoded by this gene. This gene localizes to the 'Down critical region' of chromosome 21. The encoded protein, a member of the peptidase A1 protein family, is a type I integral membrane glycoprotein and aspartic protease.