| abstract |
[PROBLEMS] To provide a neuronal cell death inhibitor and a therapeutic agent for a neurodegenerative disease, particularly Perkinson’s disease. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] It is known that DJ-1 protein is involved in Perkinson’s disease and is capable of inhibiting neuronal cell death caused by oxidative stress. Based on this knowledge, screening is made for a low molecular weight molecule capable of binding to an active site of DJ-1 protein (i.e., a region around a cysteine residue at position-106) using an analysis softwear FastDock (Fujitsu Ltd.). When various tests are made using candidate low molecular weight compounds each having a binding energy of -60 kcal/mol or lower, these compounds show a therapeutic effect on a neurodegenerative disease. |