(502h) Peptoids: A Potential Therapeutic Agent Against Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a brain disease that slowly develops, leading to dementia and eventually death. AD is characterized by the build-up of the amyloid-beta protein. As the amyloid-beta proteins begin to aggregate, plaques form in the spaces between nerve cells. Currently, there is no medication to dissolve the build-up of amyloid aggregates. However, research has found that certain molecules can bind to the amyloid-beta protein and prevent aggregation. The purpose of this research project is to develop a therapeutic treatment for AD with the use of poly-N-substituted molecules (peptoids). Peptoids form strong helices, have high bioactivity, and are easy and cost-effective to synthesize. Peptoids are ideal for this research project due to the spacing of the beta sheets and the peptoid helices matching, as well as being protease resistant.   

For this project, three different peptoids have been designed and synthesized with differing chemistries at the sixth side chain only. The purpose for this is to provide a strong basis for developing novel molecules that can withstand the harsh nature of the neural environment as well as pass through the blood brain barrier (BBB). Upon completion of the design stage, the peptoids will undergo rigorous tests to help provide valuable information to finding a therapeutic agent against AD.