The Utility of NMR in the Design of B-Amyloid Inhibitors

The production of amyloid plaque from single molecules of Ab42 appears to go through predictable steps, beginning with the accumulation of larger, soluble Ab complexes that undergo changes that result in the formation of insoluble plaques. These steps are accompanied by structural changes in the individual Ab42 molecules into a form called a beta-sheet. Dr. Zagorski is applying Nuclear Magnetic Resonance imaging to study structural changes in Ab42 as well as other molecules known to inhibit amyloidosis. This information will then be used to construct three-dimensional models of Ab42 and inhibitors. These models should in turn allow for the design of better inhibitors of Ab accumulation that could help develop better treatments or even a prevention of AD.