New Hope For Neurodegenerative Diseases Patients As Scientists Turn To Synthetic Brain Boosters

A team of Indian scientists is exploring the option of using peptidomimetics or synthetic compounds designed to mimic neurotrophins, as a potential solution to the limitations caused by neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

These disorders have posed a major health challenge globally and various studies have been conducted for a treatment course. NDs are marked by the progressive decline of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) and pose a significant public health challenge, affecting the quality of life of the ageing population

In the study published in the Journal Drug Discovery Today, the scientists from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), highlighted the potential of peptidomimetics to treat NDs by promoting neuronal growth and survival.

Peptidomimetic drugs — or synthetic molecules that mimic the structure of natural proteins — can be repurposed to provide an effective therapeutic strategy to treat NDs by promoting neuronal growth and survival, said the team led by Prof. Ashis K. Mukherjee.

While neurotrophins, proteins crucial for neuronal survival and function, have shown promise as potential treatments, their instability and rapid degradation have hindered their therapeutic application.

IASST scientists have been exploring peptidomimetics, synthetic compounds designed to mimic neurotrophins, as a potential solution to these limitations.

“Neurotrophin peptidomimetics are developed to target specific biological functions and can be valuable tools in drug discovery, especially when natural peptides have limitations like poor oral bioavailability or susceptibility to degradation,” said the study which is co-authored by IASST researchers Dev Madhubala, Rosy Mahato, Mojibur R. Khan, Asis Bala besides Ashis K. Mukherjee.

“One of the significant advantages of peptidomimetics is their improved stability and bioavailability compared to endogenous neurotrophins. This means they can be delivered more effectively to the brain and maintain their therapeutic activity for a longer duration,” the team added.

In addition, peptidomimetics can be designed to be more specific to their target receptors, reducing the risk of side effects.

The research focused on understanding the signaling pathways involved in neuronal growth and survival, the potential pharmacological targets of peptidomimetics, and their therapeutic applications for NDs, said the study.