Korean biologists discovered an important regulator of a substance which is known to trigger Alzheimer's disease. 

The team, led by Seoul National University professor Mook In-hui, determined for the first time in the world that the regulator of the substance, called gamma secretase, is ERK 1 (extracelluar signal regulated MAP kinase 1) and ERK 2. 

Their achievement will be featured in today's edition of the FASEB journal (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Journal). 

"The disease is triggered when amyloid proteins exceed the threshold deposits. Our team discovered a mechanism that can regulate the amyloid accumulation by figuring out how the gamma secretase, an essential protease in the generation of beta amyloid, works," Kim Su-kyoung, one of the co-authors, told the Korea Herald. 

Amyloid refers to a class of proteins that share several properties. 

The team's discovery is expected to lead to the development of drugs that prevent amyloid accumulation. 

Currently, global efforts are being made to develop cures for the degenerative disease, centered on beta amyloid and gamma secretase complex. 

Experts say that the discovery built a stepping stone to prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's and studies of protease, or protein enzymes.