Abstract: The invention involves identification of a mechanism of ?-amyloid peptide cytotoxicity, which enables treatment of conditions caused by ?-amyloid peptide aggregates by administration of compounds which antagonize the mechanism of cytotoxicity. The invention includes the identification and isolation of compounds which can reduce the neurotoxic effects of such aggregates. Methods for treating conditions resulting from neurotoxic ?-amyloid peptide aggregates, such as Alzheimer's disease and pharmaceutical preparations are provided. Also provided are methods for selecting additional compounds which can reduce the neurotoxic effects of ?-amyloid aggregates.

Abstract: The invention involves identification of a mechanism of ?-amyloid peptide cytotoxicity, which enables treatment of conditions caused by ?-amyloid peptide aggregates by administration of compounds which antagonize the mechanism of cytotoxicity. The invention includes the identification and isolation of compounds which can reduce the neurotoxic effects of such aggregates. Methods for treating conditions resulting from neurotoxic ?-amyloid peptide aggregates, such as Alzheimer's disease and pharmaceutical preparations are provided. Also provided are methods for selecting additional compounds which can reduce the neurotoxic effects of ?-amyloid aggregates.

Abstract: The invention involves identification of a mechanism of ?-amyloid peptide cytotoxicity, which enables treatment of conditions caused by ?-amyloid peptide aggregates by administration of compounds which antagonize the mechanism of cytotoxicity. The invention includes the identification and isolation of compounds which can antagonize the aggregation of ?-amyloid peptides and the neurotoxic effects of such aggregates. The compounds include isolated peptides which were selected for their ability to form a complex with a ?-amyloid peptide, or are derived from peptides so selected. Methods for treating conditions resulting from neurotoxic ?-amyloid peptide aggregates and pharmaceutical preparations are provided. Also provided are methods for selecting additional compounds which can antagonize the aggregation of ?-amyloid peptides and the neurotoxic effects of such aggregates.

Abstract: The invention involves identification of a mechanism of &bgr;-amyloid peptide cytotoxicity, which enables treatment of conditions caused by &bgr;-amyloid peptide aggregates by administration of compounds which antagonize the mechanism of cytotoxicity. The invention includes the identification and isolation of compounds which can reduce the neurotoxic effects of such aggregates. Methods for treating conditions resulting from neurotoxic &bgr;-amyloid peptide aggregates, such as Alzheimer's disease and pharmaceutical preparations are provided. Also provided are methods for selecting additional compounds which can reduce the neurotoxic effects of &bgr;-amyloid aggregates.

Abstract: The invention involves identification of a mechanism of &bgr;-amyloid peptide cytotoxicity, which enables treatment of conditions caused by &bgr;-amyloid peptide aggregates by administration of compounds which antagonize the mechanism of cytotoxicity. The invention includes the identification and isolation of compounds which can reduce the neurotoxic effects of such aggregates. Methods for treating conditions resulting from neurotoxic &bgr;-amyloid peptide aggregates, such as Alzheimer's disease and pharmaceutical preparations are provided. Also provided are methods for selecting additional compounds which can reduce the neurotoxic effects of &bgr;-amyloid aggregates.

Abstract: Novel TAU/neurofilament protein kinases, PK40 and PK36, are essentially purified and characterized. Novel immunoassays relating to the kinases and inhibitors for the kinases also are provided. Finally, DNA sequences encoding the kinases and cell lines relating to the kinases are provided.

Abstract: The invention involves identification of a mechanism of &bgr;-amyloid peptide cytotoxicity, which enables treatment of conditions caused by &bgr;-amyloid peptide aggregates by administration of compounds which antagonize the mechanism of cytotoxicity. The invention includes the identification and isolation of compounds which can antagonize the aggregation of &bgr;-amyloid peptides and the neurotoxic effects of such aggregates. The compounds include isolated peptides which were selected for their ability to form a complex with a &bgr;-amyloid peptide, or are derived from peptides so selected. Methods for treating conditions resulting from neurotoxic &bgr;-amyloid peptide aggregates and pharmaceutical preparations are provided. Also provided are methods for selecting additional compounds which can antagonize the aggregation of &bgr;-amyloid peptides and the neurotoxic effects of such aggregates.

Abstract: Novel TAU/neurofilament protein kinases, PK40 and PK36, are essentially purified and characterized. Novel immunoassays relating to the kinases and inhibitors for the kinases also are provided. Finally, DNA sequences encoding the kinases and cell lines relating to the kinases are provided. Methods of inhibiting abnormal tau HYPER PHOSPHORYLATION activity in a cell by contacting a cell with an inhibitor that binds to an ATP binding site of PK40, in an amount sufficient to inhibit said phosphorylating activity which is characteristic of abnormal tau HYPERPHOSPHORYLATION in Alzheimer's Disease is also provided.