γ-Secretase is a fascinating, multi-subunit, intramembrane cleaving protease that is now being considered as a therapeutic target for a number of diseases. Potent, orally bioavailable γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) have been developed and tested in humans with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cancer. Preclinical studies also suggest the therapeutic potential for GSIs in other disease conditions. However, due to inherent mechanism based-toxicity of non-selective inhibition of γ-secretase, clinical development of GSIs will require empirical testing with careful evaluation of benefit versus risk. In addition to GSIs, compounds referred to as γ-secretase modulators (GSMs) remain in development as AD therapeutics. GSMs do not inhibit γ-secretase, but modulate γ-secretase processivity and thereby shift the profile of the secreted amyloid β peptides (Aβ) peptides produced. Although GSMs are thought to have an inherently safe mechanism of action, their effects on substrates other than the amyloid β protein precursor (APP) have not been extensively investigated. Herein, we will review the current state of development of GSIs and GSMs and explore pertinent biological and pharmacological questions pertaining to the use of these agents for select indications. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Intramembrane Proteases.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bbamem.2013.06.005 | DOI Listing |
Biol Res
January 2025
School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Exp Clin Cancer Res
January 2025
Hepatology Laboratory, Solid Tumors Program, CIMA, CCUN, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive cancer with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. The critical role of epigenetic alterations such as changes in DNA methylation, histones modifications, and chromatin remodeling, in pancreatic tumors progression is becoming increasingly recognized. Moreover, in PDAC these aberrant epigenetic mechanisms can also limit therapy efficacy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEur J Med Res
January 2025
Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University (The First Hospital of Jiaxing), No.1882, Zhonghuan North Road, Jiaxing, 314000, Zhejiang, China.
Background: Dysfunction in podocyte mitophagy has been identified as a contributing factor to the onset and progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN), and BMAL1 plays an important role in the regulation of mitophagy. Thus, this study intended to examine the impact of BMAL1 on podocyte mitophagy in DN and elucidate its underlying mechanisms.
Materials And Methods: High D-glucose (HG)-treated MPC5 cells was used as a podocyte injury model for investigating the potential roles of BMAL1 in DN.
BMC Med Genomics
January 2025
Department of Oncology, The First People's Hospital of Yibin, No.65, Wenxing Street, Cuiping District, Yibin, 644000, China.
Background: Advanced gastric cancer (GC) exhibits a high recurrence rate and a dismal prognosis. Myocyte enhancer factor 2c (MEF2C) was found to contribute to the development of various types of cancer. Therefore, our aim is to develop a prognostic model that predicts the prognosis of GC patients and initially explore the role of MEF2C in immunotherapy for GC.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCancer Cell Int
January 2025
Department of Immuno-Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
Background: Patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) receiving drug treatment often have an unpredictive response and there is a lack of effective methods to predict treatment outcome for patients. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a significant role in the tumor microenvironment and the DCs-related gene signature may be used to predict treatment outcome. Here, we screened for DC-related genes to construct a prognostic signature to predict prognosis and response to immunotherapy in LUAD patients.
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