Development of small molecule inhibitors of IRAP - potential use for the treatment of memory disorders

这个研究项目提供了概念证明，IRAP是一个合适的目标，用于开发一类新的临床有价值的认知增强药物。我们最近使用IRAP分子模型筛选虚拟文库，发现了一个抑制酶催化活性的小分子化合物家族。本研究计划旨在验证该化合物家族通过特异性作用于IRAP而具有增强记忆的特性。在本项目结束时，我们将阐明该家族化合物的记忆效应特异性和结构活性关系的重要信息。我们将确定并鉴定出一种先导化合物，并将其发展成为一类新的认知增强剂。

This research project provides proof of concept that IRAP is a suitable target for use in the development of a new class of clinically valuable cognitive-enhancing agents. We have recently Identified a family of small molecule compounds that inhibited the catalytic activity of the enzyme using a molecule model of IRAP to screen virtual libraries. This research proposal aims to validate that this family of compounds have memory-enhancing properties by acting specifically on IRAP. At the conclusion of this project, we will have elucidated important information on the specificity of the memory effects and the structure activity relationship of this family of compounds. We will have identified and characterised a lead compound for development into a new class of cognitive enhancers.