IDENTIFICATION OF COMPOUNDS WITH ANTI-PROTEIN AGGREGATION ACTIVITY AND THEIR USE IN MEDICINE
Description
The misfolding of certain proteins, triggered by mutations in the encoding genes, or by changes in the cellular environment (pH, redox, or osmotic conditions), disrupts their normal function and leads to the accumulation of insoluble polymers in specific tissues. This accumulation results in the progressive loss of cells in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, causing irreversible damage due to the limited capacity for cellular regeneration. Examples of these protein misfolding diseases include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and various forms of brain and peripheral amyloidosis.
In this invention, we have conducted a search for molecules with potential activity to inhibit protein polymerization using quantitative structure-activity relationship molecular topology methodology (QSAR). Our findings indicate that certain molecules demonstrate high effectiveness in preventing protein aggregation, a critical process in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, thus opening new avenues for their treatment.
Advantages
This method has proven effective in identifying molecules with potential anti-amyloid activity, enabling the selection of compounds with positive effects in inhibiting the polymerization of proteins involved in neurodegenerative processes, such as those related to Parkinson''s and Alzheimer''s diseases. The molecules identified through this methodology not only exhibit potent activity in preventing the formation of protein aggregates but also have the advantage of being commercially accessible, which facilitates their application in research and potential clinical developments.
Uses and Applications
This invention is situated within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. It could be applied to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, which are associated with abnormal amyloid protein aggregation. Additionally, the identification of compounds that inhibit amyloid protein polymerization may prove useful in investigating other similar conditions, such as prion diseases or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The proposed method also holds promise for the development of experimental therapies in biomedical research and the pharmaceutical industry, providing an effective tool for discovering anti-amyloid compounds.
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Applicants
UNIVERSIDAD DE MÁLAGA, UNIVERSITAT DE VALÈNCIA, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
Inventors
JESÚS MARIO HIERREZUELO LEÓN, MARÍA GALVEZ LLOMPART, MARIA LUZ BLASCO SANTAMARÍA, RUBÉN GÓMEZ GUTIÉRREZ, DAVID VELA CORCIA, RICARDO ZANNI , JESÚS CÁMARA ALMIRÓN, MARÍA LUISA ANTEQUERA GÓMEZ, ANTONIO DE VICENTE MORENO, ALEJANDRO PEREZ GARCIA, RODRIGO MORALES LOYOLA, JORGE GALVEZ ÁLVAREZ, DIEGO FRANCISCO ROMERO HINOJOSA
Filing Date
11/10/2024
Protection Level: National (Spain)
Processing Status: Spanish protection application
