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Glite Dictionary
secretase

secretase

1 8.8
An enzyme that cuts proteins and helps form clumps in the brain linked to Alzheimer's
  • noun
  • /ˈsɛkrɪteɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : secretasa
  • The "secretase" pathway involves cleavage of the APP molecule within the Beta/A4 sequence, probably at the cell membrane, and is associated with the extracellular secretion of the long N-terminal fragment.
  • gamma secretase
  • secretase, an enzyme

Examples

  • There is a new study... that combines base and gamma secretase inhibitors... and this is one of our best hopes for the future."

    Still Alice (2014)

  • Two pathways for APP metabolism seem to be important—a lysosomal and a "secretase" pathway.

    Academic text (1992)

  • Researchers are investigating new secretase inhibitors that could potentially halt the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

  • The discovery of various types of secretase enzymes has opened new pathways for developing treatments for amyloid plaque accumulation.

  • Clinical trials are underway to test how effective secretase inhibitors can be in improving memory in Alzheimer's patients.

Synonyms

protease
vssecretase
  • Specialized
7 7.7

An enzyme that breaks proteins into smaller pieces

is a specific group that cleaves certain proteins linked to amyloid plaque formation
proteinase
vssecretase
  • Specialized
1 7.2

A substance in living things that breaks proteins into smaller parts

is a specific enzyme group especially tied to amyloid plaque formation in Alzheimer's disease
proteolytic enzyme
vssecretase
  • Specialized
1 4.4

A substance that breaks proteins into smaller parts living things can use

is a specific group that cleaves certain proteins involved in amyloid plaque formation

Surface Forms

secretase singular
secretases plural

Morphology

secretase = secret (opaque) = secret + ase

Morphologically formed by 'secret' + the enzyme-forming suffix '-ase', but '-ase' is a technical biochemical suffix and the meaning 'a class of enzymes' is not derivable by an average B1 learner from 'secret'.

Etymology

Secretase comes from secrete ('to release' or 'put out') plus the enzyme ending -ase, like in lipase or amylase. So a secretase is an enzyme that cuts proteins to 'release' small pieces, which explains why these enzymes can create the fragments that form amyloid plaques.