Inhibition of fibril formation in β-amyloid peptide by a novel series of benzofurans

A series of benzofuran derivatives have been identified as inhibitors of fibril formation in the β-amyloid peptide. The activity of these compounds has been assessed by a novel fibril-formation-specific immunoassay and for their effects on the production of a biologically active fibril product. The inhibition afforded by the compounds seems to be associated with their binding to β-amyloid, as identified by scintillation proximity binding assay. Binding assays and NMR studies also indicate that the inhibition is associated with self-aggregation of the compounds. There is a close correlation between the activity of the benzofurans as inhibitors of fibril formation and their ability to bind to β-amyloid. Non-benzofuran inhibitors of the fibril formation process do not seem to bind to the same site on the β-amyloid molecule as the benzofurans. Thus a specific recognition site might exist for benzofurans on β-amyloid, binding to which seems to interfere with the ability of the peptide to form fibrils.