About This Project

Alzheimer’s disease is linked to toxic beta-amyloid 42 (Aβ42) clumps in the brain. Designed peptides can bind to Aβ42 to prevent aggregation. Our approach improves this by using a peptide that not only stops clumping but also helps clear Aβ42 through the body’s natural system. We hypothesize that using a nasal ultrasonic nebulizer to deliver the peptide in the mist will allow it to reach the brain quicker. This innovative method offers a more effective and accessible Alzheimer’s treatment.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Alzheimer’s disease is driven by the accumulation of toxic amyloid-beta 42, which disrupt neural function, trigger inflammation, and lead to cognitive decline. These aggregates form plaques that interfere with cell signaling and contribute to neuronal death. Our approach develops a functional peptide (https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA02009E) designed to inhibit and degrade Aβ42 aggregates, addressing both aggregation and clearance. To enhance delivery, we propose using a nasal ultrasonic nebulizer, which bypasses the blood-brain barrier and delivers the peptide directly to the brain. This method improves treatment efficiency, reduces side effects, and provides a cost-effective alternative for early-stage Alzheimer’s patients. Ultimately, our research lays the foundation for more effective, sustainable, and patient-friendly Alzheimer’s therapies.

What is the significance of this project?

Alzheimer’s disease affects approximately 50 million people(https://www.thelancet.com/jour...) worldwide, and its significance is increasing with the aging population. Current treatments, like antibody drugs, have limited effectiveness, struggle with high costs, making them inaccessible to many patients. This research offers a novel solution by developing functional peptides that inhibit and break down amyloid-beta 42 (Aβ42) aggregates, a major contributor to AD progression. Additionally, a nasal nebulizer ensures direct brain delivery, bypassing the blood-brain barrier for faster, safer, and more efficient absorption. By combining targeted therapy with an innovative delivery system, this approach has the potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and provide a more widely accessible treatment option for millions of families affected by AD.

What are the goals of the project?

Our research aims to develop an innovative Alzheimer’s treatment by establishing two key components: (1) screening and validating four functional peptides designed to inhibit and decompose amyloid beta-42, and (2) developing a nasal nebulizer-based delivery system to bypass the blood-brain barrier. We will synthesize these four peptide candidates and evaluate their ability to bind amyloid beta-42 through in vitro assays. Structural interactions will be assessed using computational modeling and biochemical binding assays. The most effective peptide will be encapsulated in liposomes or other formulations for nasal delivery using an ultrasonic nebulizer, optimizing particle size and stability. Our study will focus on in vitro validation, and no animal or human studies will be conducted at this stage. By systematically testing both peptide function and delivery efficiency, this project will provide critical data on the feasibility of this dual-strategy approach for Alzheimer’s treatment.