Naphthalene monoimide derivative ameliorates amyloid burden and cognitive decline in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

Alzheimers disease (AD) is a major neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Predominantly, misfolding and aggregation of amyloid-{beta} (A{beta}) peptides associated with multifaceted toxicity is the neuropathological hallmark of AD pathogenesis and thus, primary therapeutic target to ameliorate neuronal toxicity and cognitive deficits. Herein, we report the design, synthesis and evaluation of small molecule inhibitors with naphthalene monoimide scaffold to ameliorate in vitro and in vivo amyloid induced neurotoxicity. The detailed studies established TGR63 as the lead candidate to rescue neuronal cells from amyloid toxicity. The in silico studies showed disruption of salt bridges and intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions within A{beta}42 fibrils by the interaction of TGR63, causing destabilization of A{beta}42 assembly. Remarkably, TGR63 treatment showed a significant reduction in cortical and hippocampal amyloid burden in the progressive stages of APP/PS1 AD mice brain. Various behavioral tests demonstrated rescued cognitive deficits. The excellent biocompatibility, BBB permeability and therapeutic efficacy to reduce amyloid burden make TGR63 a promising candidate for the treatment of AD.