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

这项研究项目提供了概念证明，IRAP是用于开发一类新的具有临床价值的认知增强剂的合适靶点。我们最近使用IRAP的分子模型来筛选虚拟文库，从而确定了一类抑制酶催化活性的小分子化合物。这项研究建议旨在通过专门作用于IRAP来验证该家族化合物具有增强记忆的特性。在本项目结束时，我们将阐明这一系列化合物记忆效应的特异性和构效关系的重要信息。我们将确定一种先导化合物，并对其进行表征，以开发成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.