Rational design of amyloid binding agents based on the molecular rotor motif

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by a progressive loss of cognitive function and constitutes the most common and fatal neurodegenerative disorder.[1] Genetic and clinical evidence supports the hypothesis that accumulation of amyloid deposits in the brain plays an important role in the pathology of the disease. This event is associated with perturbations of biological functions in the surrounding tissue leading to neuronal cell death, thus contributing to the disease process. The deposits are comprised primarily of amyloid (Aβ) peptides, a 39–43 amino acid sequence that self aggregates into a fibrillar β-pleated sheet motif. While the exact three-dimensional structure of the aggregated Aβ peptides is not known, a model structure that sustains the property of aggregation has been proposed.[2] This creates opportunities for in vivo imaging of amyloid deposits that can not only help evaluate the time course and evolution of the disease, but can also allow the timely monitoring of therapeutic treatments.[3]