Effects of a DJ-1-Binding Compound on Spatial Learning and Memory Impairment in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.

Previously, DJ-1 modulator UCP0054278/comp-B was identified by virtual screening, where comp-B interacts with DJ-1 to produce antioxidant and neuroprotective responses in Parkinson's disease models. However, the effect of comp-B in an in vivo Alzheimer's disease (AD) model is yet undetermined. Thus, we examined the effect of comp-B on spatial learning, memory, and amyloid-beta (A beta) clearance in a transgenic mouse model of AD. We found that comp-B resolved the cognitive deficits, reduced insoluble A beta(42) levels, and prevented the degeneration of synaptic functions, thereby suggesting that comp-B may become a major compound for AD treatment.