The amyloid hypothesis indicates that protein misfolding is at the root of many neurodegenerative disorders. Small molecules targeting the formation, clearance, aggregation to toxic oligomers or SOD (superoxide dismutase)-like activities of Aβ (amyloid β-peptide) 1–42 have provided encouraging candidates for AD (Alzheimer's disease) medicines in animal models, although none have yet proved to be effective in human trials. We have been investigating approaches to treat systemic amyloidoses, conditions that show common features with some CNS (central nervous system) disorders. For TTR (transthyretin) amyloidosis, we are seeking small molecule compounds that stabilize the amyloidogenic protein and either prevent its structural transition to the crossed β fibres deposited in diseased tissues, or promote its clearance from circulation. Effective stabilizer compounds that simultaneously bind to both thyroxine-binding sites have been developed. A more generic approach involves targeting the plasma glycoprotein SAP (serum amyloid P component). This protein recognizes the misfolded polypeptide structures of amyloid deposits wherever they occur, and acts as a powerful anti-opsonin. We have developed a bivalent drug called CPHPC {(R)-1-[6-[(R)-2-carboxy-pyrrolidin-1-yl]-6-oxo-hexanoyl]-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid} that cross-links pairs of pentameric SAP molecules and causes their rapid elimination from the circulation. This strategy raises the prospect of encouraging natural mechanisms to clear amyloid and recent work suggests that this approach extends to the CNS.
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Conference Article|
March 22 2010
Drug targets for amyloidosis
Simon E. Kolstoe;
Simon E. Kolstoe
1Centre for Amyloidosis and Acute Phase Proteins, Department of Medicine, University College London, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, U.K.
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Steve P. Wood
Steve P. Wood
1
1Centre for Amyloidosis and Acute Phase Proteins, Department of Medicine, University College London, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, U.K.
1To whom correspondence should be addressed (email [email protected]).
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Publisher: Portland Press Ltd
Received:
August 24 2009
Online ISSN: 1470-8752
Print ISSN: 0300-5127
© The Authors Journal compilation © 2010 Biochemical Society
2010
Biochem Soc Trans (2010) 38 (2): 466–470.
Article history
Received:
August 24 2009
Citation
Simon E. Kolstoe, Steve P. Wood; Drug targets for amyloidosis. Biochem Soc Trans 1 April 2010; 38 (2): 466–470. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/BST0380466
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