Alzheimer's Breakthrough: Two Short Strings of Amino Acids Could Pave the Way to New Treatments

A study published in Scientific Reports discovered two short peptides, or strings of amino acids, can improve memory when injected into mice with Alzheimer's, as well as mitigate physical damage in the brain, reports Medical Xpress . "In the mice that received the drugs, we found less amyloid plaque buildup and a reduction in brain inflammation," said University of Alberta Professor Jack Jhamandas. The research builds on earlier work on a compound called AC253, which blocks the toxic effects of amyloid beta by preventing the protein from binding to certain receptors in brain cells. Because AC253 is rapidly metabolized in the bloodstream, treatment is impractical. Jhamandas thus segmented AC253 into smaller peptide strings, which replicated the compound's effect in mice. Via computer modeling and artificial intelligence, the researchers formulated a small-molecule drug, similar to medications used to treat high blood pressure or cholesterol, which is currently under development as an oral delivery system for human trials.