Docking peptides, slow to lock, open possible path to treat Alzheimer’s

Docking peptides, slow to lock, open possible path to treat Alzheimer’s
Using computational models and atomic force microscope experiments, researchers at the University of Houston and Rice University have identified a possible “Achilles’ heel” in the frustration of amyloid beta peptides as they dock to the fibrils that form plaques in patients with Alzheimer’s. The frustrated steps could open a window for drugs able to cap the fibril ends, preventing further aggregation. Credit: Yuechuan Xu/Peter Vekilov/University of Houston

Progress on treating Alzheimer’s disease has been frustratingly slow. A group of scientists in Houston suggest frustration at a very small scale may lead to a new path toward treatment.

Researchers at…

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