Molecular investigations of protriptyline as a multi-target directed ligand in alzheimer's disease

TitleMolecular investigations of protriptyline as a multi-target directed ligand in alzheimer's disease
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2014
AuthorsBansode, SB, Jana, AK, Batkulwar, KB, Warkad, SD, Joshi, RS, Sengupta, N, Kulkarni, MJ
JournalPlos One
Volume9
Issue8
Paginatione105196
Date PublishedAUG
ISSN1932-6203
Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder involving multiple cellular and molecular processes. The discovery of drug molecules capable of targeting multiple factors involved in AD pathogenesis would greatly facilitate in improving therapeutic strategies. The repositioning of existing non-toxic drugs could dramatically reduce the time and costs involved in developmental and clinical trial stages. In this study, preliminary screening of 140 FDA approved nervous system drugs by docking suggested the viability of the tricyclic group of antidepressants against three major AD targets, viz. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), beta-secretase (BACE-1), and amyloid beta (A beta) aggregation, with one member, protriptyline, showing highest inhibitory activity. Detailed biophysical assays, together with isothermal calorimetry, fluorescence quenching experiments, kinetic studies and atomic force microscopy established the strong inhibitory activity of protriptyline against all three major targets. The molecular basis of inhibition was supported with comprehensive molecular dynamics simulations. Further, the drug inhibited glycation induced amyloid aggregation, another important causal factor in AD progression. This study has led to the discovery of protriptyline as a potent multi target directed ligand and established its viability as a promising candidate for AD treatment.

DOI10.1371/journal.pone.0105196
Type of Journal (Indian or Foreign)Foreign
Impact Factor (IF)4.17
Divison category: 
Biochemical Sciences
Physical and Materials Chemistry