In search of tau accumulation inhibitors in vivo

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K07050
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Nerve anatomy/Neuropathology
• Research Institution: Gakushuin University
• Principal Investigator: Yoshiike Yuji 学習院大学, 理学部, 研究員 (90415331)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: タウオパチー / アミロイド / 神経原線維変化

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Accumulation of tau protein, which constitutes the main component of neurofibrillary tangles seen as the pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, well correlates with the degree of cognitive decline. In this research, I have built in vivo screening platform by using drosophila for the aim of search of such compounds that suppress tau aggregation. Evidence showing accumulation of tau aggregates by age in this fly model expressing human tau was obtained both biochemically and morphologically. Based on the exploration by using this model, a compound with its property to inhibit tau aggregation was identified. And the patent for this discovery along with its versatility was granted.

Free Research Field

アルツハイマー病

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

アルツハイマー博士の発見した神経原線維変化を構成するタウの凝集体形成はアルツハイマー病を引き起こす原因であると考えられているが、そのことを証明するためにはタウの凝集を阻害する物質がアルツハイマー病の認知機能低下を抑制することを示しなければならない。本研究で構築したタウ凝集のin vivoモデルとそれを用いた凝集阻害物質の同定はタウの凝集がアルツハイマー病の原因である証拠を示すための研究だけでなくアルツハイマー病の根本治療薬の開発に向けた第一歩である。