Most of the genetically inherited Alzheimer's disease cases are caused by mutations in the presenilin genes, PS1 and PS2. PS mutations result in the enhanced production of the highly amyloidogenic 42/43 amino acid variant of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ). We have introduced arbitrary mutations at position 286 of PS1, where a naturally occurring PS1 mutation has been described (L286V). Introduction of charged amino acids (L286E or L286R) resulted in an increase of Aβ42/43 production, which reached almost twice the level of the naturally occurring PS1 mutation. Although pathological Aβ production was increased, endoproteolysis of Notch and nuclear transport of its cytoplasmic domain was significantly inhibited. These results demonstrate that the biological function of PS proteins in the endoproteolysis of β-amyloid precursor protein and Notch can be separated.