The Alzheimer's Amyloid-Degrading Peptidase, Neprilysin: Can We Control It?

Figure 2

Effects of various experimental conditions on NEP activity in vivo. As explained in the text, NEP expression and activity in brain cortex and hippocampus (the structures which are characterised by accumulation of amyloid deposits) decreases with age and is also decreased after prenatal hypoxia, ischemia, or in the case of AD. In animal models, NEP activity can be modulated by its inhibitors affecting such brain functions as learning and memory. Mechanisms which can control and upregulate NEP expression and increase its activity include targeted NEP gene delivery, regulation of its promoter via inhibition of HDACs or pharmacologically by green tea extract (or EGCG) or Gleevec.