Computational Study of the Driving Forces and Dynamics of Curcumin Binding to Amyloid-β Protofibrils.

Oligomeric aggregates of the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide are believed to be the primary toxic species that initiate events leading to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Small molecules that interfere with Aβ aggregation and/or neurotoxicity are being investigated as potential therapeutics for AD, including naturally occurring polyphenols. We have recently shown that curcumin exerts a neuroprotective effect against Aβ40-induced toxicity on cultured neuronal cells through two possible concerted pathways, ameliorating Aβ oligomer-induced toxicity and inducing the formation of nontoxic Aβ oligomers, both of which involve curcumin binding to Aβ oligomers.