Disclosed are a gene expression cassette for expressing an N-terminal-methionine-truncated target protein comprising a nucleic acid encoding a target protein and a nucleic acid encoding a cysteine protease, in which a cysteine protease recognition sequence is inserted between methionine (Met), which is the first amino acid at the N-terminus of the target protein, and the second amino acid and N-terminal methionine is cleaved with the cysteine protease, and a method of producing an N-terminal-methionine-truncated target protein using the same.

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the inhibition of apoptosis associated with ischemic injury in the central nervous system. In addition, the present invention relates to compositions and methods useful for extending the therapeutic window associated with ischemic injury.

A method of treating Alzheimer's Disease (AD) comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a polynucleotide agent which downregulates an amount and/or activity of caspase-6 in the brain of the subject.