European Commission FP7-Seventh Framework Programme
EC
Discovery of drugs for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease
European Commission FP7-Seventh Framework Programme
100,000
01/08/12
4.0
Alzheimer's disease & other dementias
LIF | amyloid | Alzheimer's | drug discovery | acetylcholine receptor
Alzheimers disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of proteins and protein fragments in the brain, progressive neuronal loss, inflammation, and the gradual and inevitable decline of memory and cognition. Decline of memory and cognition is coupled with binding of ? amyloid peptides (A?) and their derived diffusible ligands (ADDL) to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR). To prevent this binding and improve cognition, we are designing, synthesizing, and testing new drugs that are capable of disrupting the calamitous interactions of A? with AChR, dull its anesthesia like effect, and prevent neurodegeneration. For drug design, we use proprietary software based on normal mode dynamics developed in our laboratory. These software have shown promising results with 98% accuracy in predicting ligand binding sites and drug screening. For chemical synthesis, we use our highly experienced chemistry laboratory. In the past, we synthesized complex molecules and drugs with high yields. Preliminary results of our drugs are promising in that they bind AChR without interfering with acetylcholine binding. These A? like drugs open a new window of opportunity for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.