Publication Type Journal Article
Title Exploring Anti-Prion Glyco-Based and Aromatic Scaffolds: A Chemical Strategy for the Quality of Life
Authors M. Teresa Blazquez Ana M. de Matos Amélia P. Rauter
Groups HC
Journal MOLECULES
Year 2017
Month June
Volume 22
Number 6
Pages
Abstract Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders caused by protein misfolding and aggregation, affecting the brain progressively and consequently the quality of life. Alzheimer s is also a protein misfolding disease, causing dementia in over 40 million people worldwide. There are no therapeutics able to cure these diseases. Cellular prion protein is a high-affinity binding partner of amyloid (A) oligomers, the most toxic species in Alzheimer s pathology. These findings motivate the development of new chemicals for a better understanding of the events involved. Disease control is far from being reached by the presently known therapeutics. In this review we describe the synthesis and mode of action of molecular entities with intervention in prion diseases biological processes and, if known, their role in Alzheimer s. A diversity of structures is covered, based on glycans, steroids and terpenes, heterocycles, polyphenols, most of them embodying aromatics and a structural complexity. These molecules may be regarded as chemical tools to foster the understanding of the complex mechanisms involved, and to encourage the scientific community towards further developments for the cure of these devastating diseases.
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/molecules22060864
ISBN
Publisher
Book Title
ISSN 1420-3049
EISSN
Conference Name
Bibtex ID ISI:000404642100013
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