Apo and inhibitor complex structures of BACE (β-secretase)

Human BACE, also known as beta-secretase, shows promise as a potential therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease. We determined the apo structure of BACE to 1.75 Angstrom, and a structure of a hydroxyethylamine inhibitor complex derived by soaking. These show significant active-site movements compared to previously described BACE structures. Additionally, the structures reveal two pockets that could be targeted by structure-based drug design. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.