Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
A number of neurodegeneracy diseases (Parkinson's, Huntingtons', lateral
sclerosis, and Alzheimer') can be associated with misfolded and aggregated
proteins and peptides in the damaged neurological tissues. More than half of the
recognized neurodegenerative diseases are associated with specific protein
aggregates. For central nervous system diseases, the association with specific
proteins and forms of aggregations has therapeutic and diagnostic implications
[809-811].
The number of Alzheimer disease (AD) victims is expected to reach 6 million by
2050. In AD there is abnormal formation of plaques (aggregated beta amyloid
peptide deposits as well as intracelular neurofibrililary tangles). They consists of
hyper-phosphorilated forms of the microtubule-associated tau protein. Current
clinical therapy for AD is mainly treatment (palliative) targeting
acetylcholinesterase (AChE) or N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor.
The classical 'one target, one molecule' protocol may not be effective for AD
given its multifactorial nature. Recent developments are focusing on the
multitarget directed ligand (MTDL) protocol (drugs are designed to address
selected activities/targets). The idea is to develop mltifunctional agents capable of
hitting different biological targets.
Lens opacification during ageing arises from progressive, gradual self-assembly
of protein aggregates to produce light scattering. Investigating protein aggregation
in these diseases is necessary for mapping pathophysiological events and
development better therapies/diagnostic tools [809-811].
Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have important application for the controlled
release of drugs. Molecular docking approaches can be used with MOFs to
distinguish good drug candidates for incorporation predicting the binding
behavior of guest molecules in agreement with experimental measurements.
Molecular docking techniques may yield fast screening of drug candidates for
adsorption to coordination polymers (controlled drug delivery and/or
environmental remediation) [464].
There has been considerable recent increase of information regarding integral
membrane proteins (transporters, channels, GPCRs) which are major targets of
