Molecular topology as novel strategy for discovery of drugs with aβ lowering and anti-aggregation dual activities for Alzheimer's disease

PLoS One. 2014 Mar 26;9(3):e92750. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092750. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Background and purpose: In this study, we demonstrate the use of Molecular topology (MT) in an Alzheimer's disease (AD) drug discovery program. MT uses and expands upon the principles governing the molecular connectivity theory of numerically characterizing molecular structures, in the present case, active anti-AD drugs/agents, using topological descriptors to build models. Topological characterization has been shown to embody sufficient molecular information to provide strong correlation to therapeutic efficacy.

Experimental approach: We used MT to include multiple bioactive properties that allows for the identification of multi-functional single agent compounds, in this case, the dual functions of β-amyloid (Aβ) -lowering and anti-oligomerization. Using this technology, we identified and designed novel compounds in chemical classes unrelated to current anti-AD agents that exert dual Aβ lowering and anti-Aβ oligomerization activities in animal models of AD. AD is a multifaceted disease with different pathological features.

Conclusion and implications: Our study, for the first time, demonstrated that MT can provide novel strategy for discovering drugs with Aβ lowering and anti-aggregation dual activities for AD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / drug therapy*
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / chemistry*
  • Animals
  • Databases as Topic
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Drug Discovery*
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Models, Molecular
  • Protein Aggregates*
  • Protein Multimerization
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Protein Aggregates