Mayo neuroscience researchers, Todd Golde, M.D. and Thomas Kukar, Ph.D., are authors of a Perspective article in Science this month. The review piece –  “Avoiding Unintended Toxicity” – examines drugs that inhibit one type of y-secretase, a protease that may help in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Interest has increased in these drugs because they help inhibit this precursor of amyloid-beta proteins without causing harmful side effects. AB is the protein that form plaques in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s. The article highlights research by Serneels et al in the same issue and points out the possible broader value of this approach as therapies for a variety of cancers.  Dr. Golde is head of neuroscience research at Mayo’s Florida campus and Dr. Kukar is a laboratory investigator. (Science 324, 603-04).        —   Kevin Punsky

Kevin Punsky is Mayo’s director of media relations and research communications in Florida.