Abstract: Accumulating evidence indicates that the lysosomal Ragulator complex is essential for full activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). Abnormal mTORC1 activation has been implicated in several developmental neurological disorders, including Angelman syndrome (AS), which is caused by maternal deficiency of the ubiquitin E3 ligase UBE3A. Here, it is reported that Ube3a regulates mTORC1 signaling by targeting p18, a subunit of the Ragulator. Ube3a ubiquinates p18, resulting in its proteasomal degradation, and Ube3a deficiency in the hippocampus of AS mice induces increased lysosomal localization of p18 and other members of the Ragulator-Rag complex, and increased mTORC1 activity. p18 knockdown in hippocampal CA1 neurons of AS mice reduces elevated mTORC1 activity and improves dendritic spine maturation, long-term potentiation (LTP), as well as learning performance.

Abstract: Molecules that selectively inhibit or stimulate the activity of isoforms of calpains are presented. Methods for screening and characterizing such molecules are also presented. Specific functions of calpain-1 calpain-2 in long term potentiation (LTP), learning and memory, neurodegeneration and diseases of synaptic dysfunction are characterized using novel calpain inhibitors, substrates and related methods. The compounds, compositions, and methods described herein are expected to be useful, for treating neurodegenerative diseases and other diseases of synaptic function, and for modulating cognition in patients in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides brain cells, such as normal brain cells, apolipoprotein E deficient brain cells, or apoE4 containing brain cells, that are treated with a compound which can modulate integrins and/or integrin receptors to produce increased sequestration of and/or accumulation of and/or uptake of A?, and/or changes in cathepsin D content and/or lysosomal dysfunction, and/or microglia activation in the brain cells. The present invention also provides methods for producing such cells and methods for using the cells for screening an agent or substance that modulates the sequestration of and/or accumulation of and/or uptake of A?, and/or lysosomal dysfunction, and/or changes in cathepsin D content and/or microglia activation in the brain cells. The method further provides a new therapeutic target, antagonism of glutamate receptors, for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases which are characterized by inter alia, abnormal amyloid uptake and/or accumulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides brain cells, such as normal brain cells, apolipoprotein E deficient brain cells, or apoE4 containing brain cells, that are treated with a compound which can modulate integrins and/or integrin receptors to produce increased sequestration of and/or accumulation of and/or uptake of A?, and/or changes in cathepsin D content and/or lysosomal dysfunction, and/or microglia activation in the brain cells. The present invention also provides methods for producing such cells and methods for using the cells for screening an agent or substance that modulates the sequestration of and/or accumulation of and/or uptake of A?, and/or lysosomal dysfunction, and/or changes in cathepsin D content and/or microglia activation in the brain cells. The method further provides a new therapeutic target, antagonism of glutamate receptors, for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases which are characterized by inter alia, abnormal amyloid uptake and/or accumulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to () non-peptide aspartyl protease inhibitors; (ii) methods for modulating the processing of an amyloid precursor protein (APP); (iii) methods for modulating the processing of a tau protein (?-protein); and (iv) methods for treating neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reliable protease activity assay system for determination of cleavage of more than one recognition/cleavage site in a single assay. The assay relies on use of a fluorescent fusion substrate which comprises a purification module (PM), a first fluorescent protein (FP1), a specific protease recognition/scission site (SPSS), a second fluorescent protein (FP2) and a matrix binding module (BM).

Abstract: The present invention provides a model for studying the development of, and/or pathologies associated with neurodegenerative diseases, and agents that can alter such development and/or pathologies. The model of the invention is especially useful as an Alzheimer's disease model. The model of the invention provides brain cells and a method for increasing neurodegenerative disease characteristics in such cells, especially, induction of neurofibrillary tangles and/or phosphorylated tau and/or tau fragments and/or the production and/or release of cytokines and/or microglia reactions and/or activations and/or inflammation and/or conversion of p35 to p25 and/or the levels and activities of protein kinases by selectively increasing the concentration of cathepsin D to an effective level, and/or by lowering the concentration of cholesterol in such cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a model for studying the development of, and/or pathologies associated with neurodegenerative diseases, and agents that can alter such development and/or pathologies. The model of the invention is especially useful as an Alzheimer's disease model. The model of the invention provides brain cells and a method for increasing neurodegenerative disease characteristics in such cells, especially, induction of neurofibrillary tangles and/or phosphorylated tau and/or tau fragments and/or the production and/or release of cytokines and/or microglia reactions and/or activations and/or inflammation and/or conversion of p35 to p25 and/or the levels and activities of protein kinases by selectively increasing the concentration of cathepsin D to an effective level, and/or by lowering the concentration of cholesterol in such cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to (i) non-peptide aspartyl protease inhibitors; (ii) methods for modulating the processing of an amyloid precursor protein (APP); (iii) methods for modulating the processing of a tau protein (&tgr;-protein); and (iv) methods for treating neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides brain cells, such as normal brain cells, apolipoprotein E deficient brain cells, or apoE4 containing brain cells, that are treated with a compound which can modulate integrins and/or integrin receptors to produce increased sequestration of and/or accumulation of and/or uptake of A&bgr;, and/or changes in cathepsin D content and/or lysosomal dysfinction, and/or microglia activation in the brain cells. The present invention also provides methods for producing such cells and methods for using the cells for screening an agent or substance that modulates the sequestration of and/or accumulation of and/or uptake of A&bgr;, and/or lysosomal dysfunction, and/or changes in cathepsin D content and/or microglia activation in the brain cells. The method further provides a new therapeutic target, antagonism of glutamate receptors, for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases which are characterized by inter alia, abnormal amyloid uptake and/or accumulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a model for studying the development of, and/or pathologies associated with neurodegenerative diseases, and agents that can alter such development and/or pathologies. The model of the invention is especially useful as an Alzheimer's disease model. The model of the invention provides brain cells and a method for increasing neurodegenerative disease characteristics in such cells, especially, induction of neurofibrillary tangles and/or phosphorylated tau and/or tau fragments and/or the production and/or release of cytokines and/or microglia reactions and/or activations and/or inflammation and/or conversion of p35 to p25 and/or the levels and activities of protein kinases by selectively increasing the concentration of cathepsin D to an effective level, and/or by lowering the concentration of cholesterol in such cells.