37th Annual Student Research Conference
A Computational Analysis of Stilbenoids as Amyloid Beta Aggregation Inhibitors as a Potential Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease
Ella E. Sowle
Dr. Bill R. Miller, Faculty Mentor
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia, is a neurodegenerative disorder which leads to irreversible memory loss and the lack of the ability to function properly. There is currently no known cure for AD, though scientists believe the disease to be attributed to the buildup of plaques on nerve cells. These plaques contain aggregates of Amyloid beta (Aβ) protein fragments. Thus, we study the aggregation and potential disaggregation of Aβ aggregates to further the study of AD and potentially develop a treatment. This project observes the initial binding interactions between this Aβ protein and prospective polyphenol drugs using computational methods, such as molecular docking and molecular dynamics. Analyses of structural changes in Aβ aggregates upon the introduction of polyphenol drugs aid in the understanding of the disaggregation process of Aβ and the development of a contemporary treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease.
Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, Amyloid beta, polyphenol drugs, computation methods
Topic(s):Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Chemistry
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: 207-2
Location: MG 1000
Time: 10:45