35th Annual Student Research Conference
Molecular Dynamics Investigation of Amyloid β Polyphenol Inhibitors in Alzheimer’s Disease
Jackson Dyroff
Dr. Bill R. Miller, Faculty Mentor
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is characterized by memory loss and decreased cognitive function due to neurodegeneration. AD is thought to be caused by protein plaque on the brain composed of aggregated amyloid beta peptide (Aβ). Aβ consists of 42 amino acids and is produced through the proteolytic processing of amyloid precursor protein. Aβ contains beta sheets and are prone to cause inflammation in the brain by aggregating. If a ligand can interact with Aβ to change its structure, inflammation leading to AD can potentially be alleviated. Polyphenols widely distributed in plants have received considerable attention for their anti-inflammatory properties. Using computational methods, a group of these polyphenols were simulated bound to residues 25-37 of the Aβ. Further analysis was performed and determined that these ligands alter the stability of the Aβ aggregates which could hinder progression of AD.
Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, Amyloid ß, Polyphenols, Neurodegeneration , Protein Plaques
Topic(s):Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: 205-3
Location: MG 2001
Time: 10:45