Methods and Compositions for Inhibiting Abad/Abeta Protein Interaction

Abstract

This invention provides methods, compositions and articles of manufacture for inhibiting binding between Aβ protein and ABAD in cells. Uses of this invention include, for example, treating Alzheimer's disease; reducing free radical generation, DNA fragmentation, and cytochrome C release in cells; and preserving cell viability by preventing LDH release from a cell.

1 . A polypeptide consisting of a portion of ABAD, wherein the portion of ABAD binds to Aβ protein and comprises the sequence of amino acid residues 94-114 of ABAD. 
     
     
         2 . The polypeptide of  claim 1 , wherein the ABAD is human ABAD. 
     
     
         3 . A composition of matter comprising (a) a pharmaceutical carrier, and (b) the polypeptide of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         4 . The composition of matter of  claim 3 , wherein the composition binds to Aβ protein. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 4 , wherein the ABAD is human ABAD. 
     
     
         6 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A polypeptide consisting of a portion of Aβ protein, wherein the portion of Aβ protein binds to ABAD and comprises the sequence of amino acid residues 1-20 of Aβ protein. 
     
     
         11 . The polypeptide of  claim 10 , wherein the Aβ protein is human Aβ protein. 
     
     
         12 . A composition of matter comprising (a) a pharmaceutical carrier, and (b) the polypeptide of  claim 10 . 
     
     
         13 . The composition of matter of  claim 12 , wherein the composition binds to ABAD. 
     
     
         14 . The composition of  claim 13 , wherein the Aβprotein is human Aβ protein. 
     
     
         15 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A method for treating a subject afflicted with Alzheimer's disease comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the polypeptide of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the subject is human. 
     
     
         21 - 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A method for reducing free radical generation in a cell comprising introducing into the cell an agent that inhibits binding between Aβ protein and ABAD. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the cell is a neuronal cell. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the agent is a polypeptide consisting of a portion of ABAD, wherein the portion of ABAD binds to Aβ protein and comprises the sequence of amino acid residues 94-114 of ABAD. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the agent is a composition of matter comprising a polypeptide consisting of a portion of ABAD comprising the sequence of amino acid residues 94-114 of ABAD, wherein the composition binds to Aβ protein. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the agent is a polypeptide consisting of a portion of Aβ protein, wherein the portion of Aβ protein binds to ABAD and comprises the sequence of amino acid residues 1-20 of Aβ protein. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the agent is a polypeptide consisting of a portion of Aβ protein, wherein the portion of Aβ protein binds to ABAD and comprises the sequence of amino acid residues 1-20 of Aβ protein. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the agent is a composition of matter comprising a polypeptide consisting of a portion of Aβ protein comprising the sequence of amino acid residues 1-20 of Aβ protein, wherein the composition binds to ABAD. 
     
     
         32 - 57 . (canceled)