Publications by authors named "Mary-Margaret O'Donnell"

Proteolytic cleavage of amyloid precursor protein by beta-secretase (BACE-1) and gamma-secretase leads to formation of beta-amyloid (A beta) a key component of amyloid plaques, which are considered the hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Small molecule inhibitors of BACE-1 may reduce levels of A beta and thus have therapeutic potential for treating Alzheimer's disease. We recently reported the identification of a novel small molecule BACE-1 inhibitor N-[2-(2,5-diphenyl-pyrrol-1-yl)-acetyl]guanidine (3.

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The proteolytic enzyme beta-secretase (BACE-1) produces amyloid beta (Abeta) peptide, the primary constituent of neurofibrillary plaques, implicated in Alzheimer's disease, by cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein. A small molecule inhibitor of BACE-1, (diaminomethylene)-2,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrrole-1-acetamide (1, BACE-1 IC(50)=3.7 microM), was recently described, representing a new small molecule lead.

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The transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) is a key component in the onset of inflammation. We describe here a series of 4-hydroxyphenyl sulfonamide estrogen receptor (ER) ligands that selectively inhibit NK-kappaB transcriptional activity but are devoid of conventional estrogenic activity.

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Article Synopsis
  • Researchers designed new arylpiperazine compounds inspired by buspirone, gepirone, and NAN-190, focusing on their interaction with the 5-HT(1A) receptor and human cytochrome p450 (CYP3A4) metabolism.
  • In silico modifications to these compounds were evaluated for their effects on 5-HT(1A) receptor affinity and metabolic stability.
  • Selected compounds were synthesized and tested in vitro to uncover the relationship between their chemical structure, receptor affinity, and CYP3A4 metabolism.
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