Anti-aging effects of a peptide factor that modifies Alzheimer's disease pathologies

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K05296
• 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): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: ペプチド / 生理活性分子 / 細胞老化

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Humanin, a peptide factor, has shown promise in modifying Alzheimer’s disease-associated changes, including cognitive dysfunction. Our recent discovery that HN directly enhances exocytosis in neuronal cells is a significant step forward. Cellular senescence is a process that contributes to tissue aging and age-associated diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. We evaluated the potential of S14G-HN, a highly potent HN derivative, to suppress cellular senescence in neurons. Encouragingly, our findings revealed that S14G-HN effectively suppresses chemical-induced cellular senescence but did not reverse the functional deficit in exocytosis. Further, S14G-HN ameliorated physical and cognitive deficits in senescence-accelerated mice.

Free Research Field

神経科学　分子細胞生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

血液中に含まれる抗老化因子の同定やその作用の解析は、老化の仕組みの理解を深めるとともに、健康寿命の延伸の方策を探る一助となる。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で、その機能解析は生理活性分子の新たな作用の理解にも貢献する。本研究では、ヒューマニンが神経細胞の細胞レベルでの老化を抑制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。