Crystal structure of human ABAD/HSD10 with a bound inhibitor: implications for design of Alzheimer's disease therapeutics

The enzyme 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 10 (HSD10), also known as amyloid β-peptide-binding alcohol dehydrogenase (ABAD), has been implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease. This protein, a member of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase family of enzymes, has been shown to bind β-amyloid and to participate in β-amyloid neurotoxicity. We have determined the crystal structure of human ABAD/HSD10 complexed with NAD + and an inhibitory small molecule. The inhibitor occupies the substrate-binding site and forms a covalent adduct with the NAD + cofactor. The crystal structure provides a basis for the design of potent, highly specific ABAD/HSD10 inhibitors with potential application in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.