Improvement of cognitive function via promotion of adult hippocampal neurogenesis in middle-aged mice

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K06924
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 46020:Anatomy and histopathology of nervous system-related
• Research Institution: Kyushu University
• Principal Investigator: Yamada Jun 九州大学, 医学研究院, 講師 (70582708)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 神経新生 / 海馬 / メマンチン

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) constitutes the neurogenic niche in the adult hippocampus. Newborn granule cells have been shown to be involved in aging-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. The purpose of this study was to define the effects of memantine (MEM), a therapeutic agent for Alzheimer’s disease, on CSPG and adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus.MEM regulates the genes related to CSPG, which may underlie the improvement of cognitive function and reduction of anxiety-related behavior via promotion of adult hippocampal neurogenesis. These results imply that CSPG may be a novel target for the anti-dementia drug.

Free Research Field

神経解剖学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

海馬神経新生の増加は、認知症・うつ病などの治療に応用できる。本研究の結果は、神経新生の視点からメマンチンの作用機序を明らかにしたものであり、超高齢化社会において社会生活を営む上で必要な脳機能の維持やメンタルヘルス向上のための基礎的な知見となりうる。