Beta-secretase 2 (, also known as memapsin-1) is an enzyme that cleaves Glu-Val-Asn-Leu-|-Asp-Ala-Glu-Phe in the Swedish variant of Alzheimer's amyloid precursor protein. BACE2 is a close homolog of BACE1.
Gene
This gene is located in the "Down critical region" of chromosome 21, which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Down syndrome. Three transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been described for this gene.
Clinical significance
BACE2 has been implicated in the maintenance of pancreatic β cells and regulation of glucose homeostasis. In mouse models, higher BACE2 activity has been associated with improved pancreatic function, suggesting potential therapeutic relevance for Type 2 Diabetes research.
In a separate context, a homozygous 25-base pair deletion in the BACE2 gene has been linked to the unique brown-and-white coat coloration in some giant pandas, as opposed to the typical black-and-white phenotype observed in the wild type.
Interactions
BACE2 has been shown to interact with GGA1 and GGA2.