Abstract: This invention relates generally to the discovery of sulfonamide-containing compounds that are inhibitors of ?-secretase.

Abstract: The present invention provides the surprising finding that alpha-synuclein exists in vivo as a folded tetramer. Provided are various methods and technologies that arise from this finding, including methods and kits for identifying individuals susceptible to or suffering from certain diseases, disorders or conditions associated with stability of alpha-synuclein tetramers, and/or individuals likely (or not) to respond to therapy with agents that alter level and/or stability of alpha-synuclein tetramers.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the discovery of sulfonamide-containing compounds that are inhibitors of ?-secretase.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and related compositions for identifying compounds that stabilize natively folded tetrameric ?-synuclein. These methods and compositions are useful for the treatment and diagnosis of ?-synuclein-associated diseases and disorders.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of screening compounds for their ability to alter the production of A?(x?41) alone or in combination with A?(x?40). The methods involve administering compounds to cells, specifically measuring the amounts of A?(x?40) and A?(x?41) produced by the cells, and comparing these amounts to that produced by the cells without administration of the compounds.

Abstract: Novel (hydroxyethyl)ureas are described. These compounds are effective inhibitors of certain aspartyl proteases, notably secretases involved in the enzymatic cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) to yield amyloid-&bgr; peptide. Methods are provided for administering the novel compounds to treat &bgr;-amyloid-associated diseases, notably Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of screening compounds for their ability to alter the production of A&bgr;(x≧41) alone or in combination with A&bgr;(x≦40). The methods involve administering compounds to cells, specifically measuring the amounts of A&bgr;(x≦40) and A&bgr;(x≧41) produced by the cells, and comparing these amounts to that produced by the cells without administration of the compounds.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of screening compounds for their ability to alter the production of A&bgr;(x≧41) alone or in combination with A&bgr;(x≦40). The methods involve administering compounds to cells, specifically measuring the amounts of A&bgr;(x≦40) and A&bgr;(x≧41) produced by the cells, and comparing these amounts to that produced by the cells without administration of the compounds.

Abstract: Novel (hydroxyethyl)ureas are described. These compounds are effective inhibitors of certain aspartyl proteases, notably secretases involved in the enzymatic cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) to yield amyloid-&bgr; peptide. Methods are provided for administering the novel compounds to treat &bgr;-amyloid-associated diseases, notably Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: A method for identifying inhibitors of the production of &bgr;-amyloid peptides by administration of a compound to a mammalian host is provided.

Abstract: Soluble .beta.-amyloid peptide (.beta.AP) is measured in biological fluids at very low concentrations, typically in the range from 0.1 ng/ml to 10 ng/ml. The measurement of .beta.AP concentrations in animals or conditioned medium from cultured cells can be used for drug screening, where test compounds are administered to the animals or exposed to the cultured cells and the accumulation of .beta.AP in the animal or culture medium observed. It has been found that elevated levels of .beta.AP in body fluids, such as blood and cerebrospinal fluid, is associated with the presence of a .beta.AP-related condition in a patient, such as Alzheimer's Disease. Methods for diagnosing and monitoring .beta.AP-related conditions comprise measuring the levels of .beta.AP in such body fluids from a patient.

Abstract: Soluble .beta.-amyloid peptide (.beta.AP) is measured in biological fluids at very low concentrations, typically in the range from 0.1 ng/ml to 10 ng/ml. The measurement of .beta.AP concentrations in animals or conditioned medium from cultured cells can be used for drug screening, where test compounds are administered to the animals or exposed to the cultured cells and the accumulation of .beta.AP in the animal or culture medium observed. It has been found that elevated levels of .beta.AP in body fluids, such as blood and cerebrospinal fluid, is associated with the presence of a .beta.AP-related condition in a patient, such as Alzheimer's Disease. Methods for diagnosing and monitoring .beta.AP-related conditions comprise measuring the levels of .beta.AP in such body fluids from a patient.

Abstract: This invention provides a method as well as a kit for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. The method comprises the steps of obtaining a non-neural tissue biopsy sample, contacting at least a portion of the sample with a quantity of antibodies capable of identifying .beta.AP, a .beta.-amyloid precursor protein fragment comprising .beta.AP, or a .beta.AP peptide fragment of about 8 or more amino acids sufficient to allow detection of said protein, protein fragment or peptide fragment, and monitoring the extent of the reaction between the sample and the antibodies. The kit comprises antibodies specific for .beta.-amyloid protein, or a .beta.-amyloid precursor protein fragment comprising .beta.-amyloid protein, or a peptide fragment of .beta.-amyloid protein of at least about eight amino acids, and a means for detecting the extent of the reaction of the antibodies with a non-neural tissue sample.