Synthesis and evaluation of novel beta-lactam NAAG mimics as neuroprotectives

High doses of glutamate in the synapse can lead to cell death. New information has been found that has proven that utility of beta-lactam antibiotics protect against excitotoxicity. NAAG, the acidic dipeptide N-acetylaspartylglutamate, is the most prevalent peptide in the central nervous system. It has been found to bind to the same NMDA receptor in the synapse as glutamate in instances of abnormally high Glu concentrations. Using naturally found NAAG structure, a mimic will be synthesized to yield the benefits of NAAG neuroprotection, but will not be destructive. This may be accomplished by containing only portion of the Glu structure on N1 position to determine if it's enough to permit binding to the receptor. It is important to determine what positions on the monocyclic ring are essential and which are more important than others in order to yield binding.