The recent proliferation of artificial intelligence has already had a profound influence on scientific research. Among its many uses is being able to zero in on learning exactly what properties in natural products can be used to combat diseases.
Among the researchers using AI at Yale School of Public Health is Vasilis Vasiliou, department chair and Susan Dwight Bliss Professor of Epidemiology (Environmental Health Sciences). Together with Kirill Veselkov from Imperial College London, an adjunct assistant professor at YSPH, Vasiliou leads an international team that has harnessed AI to detect specific molecules within olive oil that hold promise in potentially preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease (AD).
The team of 11 researchers published its findings in Human Genomics in July. Previous studies have suggested that extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) may be helpful in preventing cognitive decline. The team calibrated a machine-learning algorithm to predict the likelihood of existing drugs and known phytochemical constituents of EVOO that would exhibit similarities in functionality with drugs that influence intracellular pathways (protein networks) associated with AD. These analyses were enabled by mass spectrometry-derived EVOO phytochemical profiles identified by Nikolaos Thomaidis, a team member from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and an adjunct professor at YSPH.
Their investigation identified 10 EVOO phytochemicals with the highest likelihood of being active against AD. By combining AI with analytical chemistry and omics studies to identify unique therapeutic agents, the research team was able to provide new insights into how EVOO may help treat or prevent AD, and potentially provide a basis for consideration in future clinical studies.
"This remarkable international collaboration marks the inception of a novel research endeavor focused on exploring the beneficial effects of EVOO, not only concerning AD, but also encompassing cognitive function and mental health," Vasiliou said.