Definition

A substance that blocks the enzyme activity of a protein complex called gamma secretase. Gamma secretase is involved in the activation of several cell signaling proteins, including a protein called Notch. The Notch protein may be found at high levels on some types of cancer cells, which causes these cells to grow. Blocking gamma secretase may prevent the activation of Notch, which may help keep cancer cells from growing and may kill them. Some gamma secretase inhibitors are being studied in the treatment of cancer and other diseases. They are a type of targeted therapy.