Mapping ApoE/Aβ binding regions to guide inhibitor discovery

Abstract

Blocking the interaction between the E4 isoform of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and amyloid beta-peptide (Aβ) may be an avenue for pharmacological intervention in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The main regions of interaction of the two proteins are, respectively, ApoE244-272 and Aβ12-28. These protein segments are too large to facilitate the design of small molecule inhibitors. We mapped the primary components of ApoE/Aβ interaction to smaller peptide segments. Within the three motifs that are primarily responsible for ApoE/Aβ interaction, we identified four peptides that substantially block ApoE/Aβ interaction and further improved their inhibitory activity by rational hydrophobic amino acid substitution. Moreover, the mapping results provide the clue that the Aβ residues which interact with ApoE appear to be in the same region where Aβ self-interacts. According to this information, we found that Congo Red and X-34 could strongly inhibit ApoE/Aβ interaction. Our findings extend our understanding of ApoE/Aβ interaction and may guide the discovery of inhibitors that treat AD by antagonizing ApoE/Aβ interaction.