Atomic view of Alzheimer's disease peptide could inform new drugs
One of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease is the accumulation of a peptide in the brain known as amyloid beta. A new study published in Nature Communications on July 22 has uncovered the atomic structure of the peptide in its harmful form.
Alzheimer's disease is characterized by an accumulation of a brain peptide called amyloid beta. A recent study published in Nature Communications on July 22 has revealed the atomic structure of this harmful peptide form. While amyloid beta is naturally present in healthy brains, it clumps abnormally and forms large plaques in Alzheimer's disease.
However, new evidence suggests that intermediate "oligomeric" amyloid beta forms are responsible for brain damage. Until now, the structure of these intermediate peptides remained unknown. Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have characterized this intermediate form for the first time. The FDA has approved two therapies that reduce amyloid beta levels, but they have limited benefits and cause severe side effects.
Understanding the distinct structure of oligomeric amyloid beta may lead to the development of more targeted and effective Alzheimer's treatments.
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