. β-Secretase BACE1 regulates hippocampal and reconstituted M-currents in a β-subunit-like fashion. J Neurosci. 2015 Feb 25;35(8):3298-311. PubMed.

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  1. Although such a function may seem extremely unusual, it fits with a previous study from the same group and with increasing reports about non-proteolytic functions of other proteases, such as a transcription factor function of MMP-12 in antiviral immunity (see Marchant et al., 2014) or the γ-secretase-independent functions of presenilin in calcium homeostasis (see McBrayer and Nixon, 2013). I am sure that the group will follow up on these observations and demonstrate the direct (functional) interaction of BACE1 with KCNQ proteins in brain. Additionally, it would be great to generate a catalytically inactive BACE1 knock-in line to observe which functions require proteolytically active or inactive BACE1. In any case, the good news for drug development is that the non-proteolytic functions should not be affected by BACE inhibitors.

    References:

    . A new transcriptional role for matrix metalloproteinase-12 in antiviral immunity. Nat Med. 2014 May;20(5):493-502. Epub 2014 Apr 28 PubMed.

    . Lysosome and calcium dysregulation in Alzheimer's disease: partners in crime. Biochem Soc Trans. 2013 Dec;41(6):1495-502. PubMed.

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