10.1021/jm201332p
The study focuses on the design of inhibitors for β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation, a key process in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Researchers developed a substituted peptide, [Nle35, D-Pro37]Aβ42, using molecular dynamics simulations to stabilize Aβ structures suitable for NMR analysis. This peptide was found to stabilize Aβ trimers, prevent mature fibril and β-sheet formation, and reduce aggregation when mixed with wild-type Aβ42. Furthermore, a small molecule lead compound was identified through ligand-based drug design, showing similar inhibitory effects to the peptide. The study demonstrates the potential of using molecular dynamics simulation to guide experiments aimed at understanding AD and developing therapeutics.