Novel Hexapeptide Interacts with Tubulin and Microtubules, Inhibits Aβ Fibrillation, and Shows Significant Neuroprotection

Abstract

Herein, we report a novel hexapeptide, derived from activity dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP), that spontaneously self-assembles to form antiparallel β-sheet structure and produces nanovesicles under physiological conditions. This peptide not only strongly binds with β-tubulin in the taxol binding site but also binds with the microtubule lattice in vitro as well as in intracellular microtubule networks. Interestingly, it shows inhibition of amyloid fibril formation upon co-incubation with Aβ peptide following an interesting mechanistic pathway and excellent neuroprotection in PC12 cells treated with anti-nerve growth factor (NGF). The potential of this hexapeptide opens up a new paradigm in design and development of novel therapeutics for AD.