Abstract: The present invention provides a method of increasing cathepsin B-induced cleavage of amyloid-? (A?) peptide in a cell or tissue, the method generally involving contacting the cell or tissue with an agent that increases the level of cathepsin B in the cell or tissue. The present invention further provides variant cathepsin B polypeptides that are resistant to inhibition by a cysteine protease inhibitor; as well as nucleic acids encoding the variants, and host cells comprising the nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of increasing cathepsin B-induced cleavage of amyloid-? (A?) peptide in a cell or tissue, the method generally involving contacting the cell or tissue with an agent that increases the level of cathepsin B in the cell or tissue. The present invention further provides variant cathepsin B polypeptides that are resistant to inhibition by a cysteine protease inhibitor; as well as nucleic acids encoding the variants, and host cells comprising the nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for reducing the level of amyloid beta protein in a cell or tissue, the methods generally involving contacting the cell or tissue with an agent that reduces cystatin C levels and/or activity. The present invention provides methods for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD), and methods for treating cerebral angiopathy, in an individual, the methods generally involving administering to an individual having AD a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that reduces cystatin C levels and/or activity. The present invention further provides methods for identifying an agent that reduces cystatin C levels and/or activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of increasing cathepsin B-induced cleavage of amyloid-? (A?) peptide in a cell or tissue, the method generally involving contacting the cell or tissue with an agent that increases the level of cathepsin B in the cell or tissue. The present invention further provides variant cathepsin B polypeptides that are resistant to inhibition by a cysteine protease inhibitor; as well as nucleic acids encoding the variants, and host cells comprising the nucleic acids.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for detecting a neurodegenerative disorder or susceptibility to a neurodegenerative disorder in a subject. This invention also provides a method of developing a modulator of an Alzheimer's Disease-associated gene or protein. Also included in the present invention is a method reducing toxic A? peptide production by a eukaryotic cell, a method of ameliorating neurotoxicity of A? peptide. The present invention further embodies compositions such as Alzheimer's Disease-associated genes, the polypeptides encoded therefrom, gene delivery vehicles, host cells and kits comprising the Alzheimer's Disease-associated genes and/or polypeptides.

Abstract: Methods for correlating genes and gene function are provided. Such methods generally involve selecting a candidate gene that appears to be correlated with a particular cellular state or activity and then validating the role of the candidate gene in establishment of such a cellular state or activity. Certain methods utilize RNA interference techniques in the validation process.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for detecting a neurodegenerative disorder or susceptibility to a neurodegenerative disorder in a subject. This invention also provides a method of developing a modulator of an Alzheimer's Disease-associated gene or protein. Also included in the present invention is a method reducing toxic A? peptide production by a eukaryotic cell, a method of ameliorating neurotoxicity of A? peptide. The present invention further embodies compositions such as Alzheimer's Disease-associated genes, the polypeptides encoded therefrom, gene delivery vehicles, host cells and kits comprising the Alzheimer's Disease-associated genes and/or polypeptides.

Abstract: Methods for correlating genes and gene function are provided. Such methods generally involve selecting a candidate gene that appears to be correlated with a particular cellular state or activity and then validating the role of the candidate gene in establishment of such a cellular state or activity. Certain methods utilize RNA interference techniques in the validation process.

Abstract: Methods for correlating genes and gene function are provided. Such methods generally involve selecting a candidate gene that appears to be correlated with a particular cellular state or activity and then validating the role of the candidate gene in establishment of such a cellular state or activity. Certain methods utilized RNA interference techniques in the validation process.

Abstract: Methods for correlating genes and gene function are provided. Such methods generally involve selecting a candidate gene that appears to be correlated with a particular cellular state or activity and then validating the role of the candidate gene in establishment of such a cellular state or activity. Certain methods utilize RNA interference techniques in the validation process.

Abstract: Methods for correlating genes and gene function are provided. Such methods generally involve selecting a candidate gene that appears to be correlated with a particular cellular state or activity and then validating the role of the candidate gene in establishment of such a cellular state or activity. Certain methods utilized RNA interference techniques in the validation process.