The role of a cytoprotective peptide factor against Alzheimer's disease pathologies in anti-brain aging

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K05342
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 37020:Chemistry and chemical methodology of biomolecules-related
• Research Institution: Sophia University
• Principal Investigator: NIIKURA Takako 上智大学, 理工学部, 教授 (10301491)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: ペプチド / 生理活性分子 / 神経伝達物質 / 認知機能

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Humanin is a peptide factor that ameliorates Alzheimer's disease-associated pathological events including cognitive dysfunction. We investigated physiological function of Humanin in the central nervous system. In normal young mice, Humanin increased the amounts of neurotransmitters in the hippocampus, the major brain region for memory formation, and improved cognitive activity. We also found that Humanin directly acted on neuronal cells and promoted neurotransmitter release. These findings suggest that Humanin regulates physiological activity of neurons, which help understand how Humanin maintains healthy cognitive function.

Free Research Field

神経科学　分子細胞生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

ヒューマニンは、ミトコンドリアに由来しホルモン様の作用を持つ新規ペプチド群のひとつとして注目されている。また、血液中には抗老化因子が含まれることが知られており、それらの因子を同定しその作用を解析することは、加齢をリスクとする疾患の予防や治療法の開発にも貢献する。本研究ではヒューマニンが神経細胞の正常な活動を制御し脳機能を維持することで抗老化因子のひとつとして働く可能性が示唆された。