Peptide-Based Strategies: Combating Alzheimer’s Amyloid β Aggregation through Ergonomic Design and Fibril Disruption

Abstract

Amyloidosis of amyloid-β (Aβ) triggers a cascade of events, leading to oxidative damage and neuronal death. Therefore, inhibiting Aβ amyloidosis or disrupting the matured fibrils is the primary target to combat progressive Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis. Here, we undertake optimization strategies to improve the antiamyloid efficiency of our previously reported NF11 (NAVRWSLMRPF) peptide. Among the series of peptides tested, nontoxic and serum-stable peptide 1 or P1 containing an anthranilic acid residue shows immense potential in not only inhibiting the Aβ42 amyloid formation but also disrupting the mature Aβ42 fibrils into nontoxic small molecular weight soluble species. Our studies provide high-resolution characterization of the peptide’s mechanism of action. With a binding affinity within the micromolar range for both the monomer and aggregated Aβ42, this α/β hybrid peptide can efficiently modulate Aβ amyloidosis while facilitating the clearance of toxic aggregates and enforcing protection from apoptosis. Thus, our studies highlight that incorporating a β-amino acid not only imparts protection from proteolytic degradation and improved stability but also functions effectively as a β breaker, redirecting the aggregation kinetics toward off-pathway fibrillation.