Modulation of histone modifications in the brain may represent a new mechanism for brain disorder therapy. Post-translational modifications of histones regulate gene expression, affecting major cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and function. An important enzyme involved in one of these histone modifications is lysine specific demethylase 1 (LSD1). This enzyme is flavin-dependent and exhibits homology to amine oxidases. Parnate (2-phenylcyclopropylamine (2-PCPA); tranylcypromine) is a potent inhibitor of monoamine oxidases and derivatives of 2-PCPA have been used for development of selective LSD1 inhibitors based on the ability to form covalent adducts with flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). Here we report the synthesis and in vitro characterization of LSD1 inhibitors that bond covalently to FAD. The two most potent and selective inhibitors were used to demonstrate brain penetration when administered systemically to rodents. First, radiosynthesis of a positron-emitting analog was used to obtain preliminary bio-distribution data and whole brain time-activity curves. Second, we demonstrate that this series of LSD1 inhibitors is capable of producing a cognitive effect in a mouse model. By using a memory formation paradigm, novel object recognition, we show that LSD1 inhibition can abolish long-term memory formation without affecting short-term memory, providing further evidence for the importance of reversible histone methylation in the function of the nervous system.

Cooperative interactions between RNA and vesicle membranes on the prebiotic earth may have led to the emergence of primitive cells. The membrane surface offers a potential platform for the catalysis of reactions involving RNA, but this scenario relies upon the existence of a simple mechanism by which RNA could become associated with protocell membranes. Here, we show that electrostatic interactions provided by short, basic, amphipathic peptides can be harnessed to drive RNA binding to both zwitterionic phospholipid and anionic fatty acid membranes. We show that the association of cationic molecules with phospholipid vesicles can enhance the local positive charge on a membrane and attract RNA polynucleotides. This phenomenon can be reproduced with amphipathic peptides as short as three amino acids. Finally, we show that peptides can cross bilayer membranes to localize encapsulated RNA. This mechanism of polynucleotide confinement could have been important for primitive cellular evolution.