Discovery of Atractylenolide Derivatives as Novel LSD1 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and memory impairment. Current treatments offer only symptomatic relief, underscoring the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) plays a crucial role in gene transcription regulation and has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for AD. Building on our previous research on Atractylodes macrocephala, a traditional medicinal plant, this study reported chemical modifications on the sesquiterpene scaffold in Atractylodes. The compounds were evaluated for their LSD1 inhibitory activity and anti-AD properties in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Notably, compound A1 exhibited potent LSD1 inhibition, with an IC₅₀ value of 0.8 μM. In vitro assays demonstrated that A1 significantly inhibits Aβ aggregation and enhances Aβ-induced neuronal cell viability. Molecular dynamics results revealed stable binding interactions of A1 with LSD1 and Aβ. Furthermore, in vivo studies using APP/PS1 transgenic mice showed that A1 treatment improved cognitive function and learning abilities, reduced neuroinflammation by inhibiting the activation of microglia and astrocytes, and decreased Aβ deposition in the hippocampus of AD mice. These findings suggest that compound A1 is a promising candidate for the development of an effective therapy for AD, underscoring the therapeutic potential of novel LSD1 inhibitors.