ABAD directly links Abeta to mitochondrial toxicity in Alzheimer's disease.
Lustbader, J.W., Cirilli, M., Lin, C., Xu, H.W., Takuma, K., Wang, N., Caspersen, C., Chen, X., Pollak, S., Chaney, M., Trinchese, F., Gunn-Moore, F., Lue, L.F., Walker, D.G., Kuppusamy, P., Zewier, Z.L., Arancio, O., Stern, D., Yan, S.S., Wu, H.(2004) Science 304: 448-452
- PubMed: 15087549 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1091230
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
1SO8 - PubMed Abstract: 
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of beta-amyloid (Abeta)-induced neuronal toxicity in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we demonstrate that Abeta-binding alcohol dehydrogenase (ABAD) is a direct molecular link from Abeta to mitochondrial toxicity. Abeta interacts with ABAD in the mitochondria of AD patients and transgenic mice. The crystal structure of Abeta-bound ABAD shows substantial deformation of the active site that prevents nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) binding. An ABAD peptide specifically inhibits ABAD-Abeta interaction and suppresses Abeta-induced apoptosis and free-radical generation in neurons. Transgenic mice overexpressing ABAD in an Abeta-rich environment manifest exaggerated neuronal oxidative stress and impaired memory. These data suggest that the ABAD-Abeta interaction may be a therapeutic target in AD.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Center for Reproductive Sciences and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA.