A research team led by Dr. Lenka Maletínská at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS (IOCB Prague) has developed new peptide-derived molecules that reduce appetite and protect the brain from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. The compound is based on the naturally occurring neuropeptide CART, which is involved in regulating food intake. Its modified version, developed at IOCB, is more stable and effective. Thanks to lipidization – the attachment of fatty acids – the molecule can cross the blood–brain barrier and act directly in the brain.
In tests on obese and prediabetic mice, the molecule led to weight loss, improved metabolism, and reduced Tau pathology – a key marker of Alzheimer’s disease. It also promoted the formation of new neurons.
“We developed a compound with dual action – it suppresses appetite and provides neuroprotection. If we identify the receptor it binds to, we can fully explore its therapeutic potential,” says co-author Dr. Andrea Pačesová.
The study was published in the European Journal of Pharmacology and supported by the CarDia project (EXCELES programme).
Original article:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176864
Press release and video on IOCB Prague website (in Czech):
dana.hruskova@ikem.cz
