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Novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of protein-misfolding diseases
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 June 2007
Abstract
Most proteins in the cell adopt a compact, globular fold that determines their stability and function. Partial protein unfolding under conditions of cellular stress results in the exposure of hydrophobic regions normally buried in the interior of the native structure. Interactions involving the exposed hydrophobic surfaces of misfolded protein conformers lead to the formation of toxic aggregates, including oligomers, protofibrils and amyloid fibrils. A significant number of human disorders (e.g. Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, Huntington disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and type II diabetes) are characterised by protein misfolding and aggregation. Over the past five years, outstanding progress has been made in the development of therapeutic strategies targeting these diseases. Three promising approaches include: (1) inhibiting protein aggregation with peptides or small molecules identified via structure-based drug design or high-throughput screening; (2) interfering with post-translational modifications that stimulate protein misfolding and aggregation; and (3) upregulating molecular chaperones or aggregate-clearance mechanisms. Ultimately, drug combinations that capitalise on more than one therapeutic strategy will constitute the most effective treatment for patients with these devastating illnesses.
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- Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2007
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Further reading, resources and contacts
The PubChem website is a useful link with information relating to the biological activities of small molecules. It includes a database of chemical structures and the results of NIH-funded high-throughput screens:
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