Tohoku Univ. Technology : Novel Peptide Inhibitors for Alzheimer’s disease : T21-307
Notch‑Sparing Modulation of γ‑Secretase by Three‑Finger Toxins
Amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation is a key driver of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). While γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) have long been pursued as therapeutics, safety issues have prevented their clinical adoption. Using AlphaFold2–based in-silico screening, the inventors discovered that Three-Finger Toxins (3FTXs)—disulfide-rich peptides from snake venom—potently block γ-secretase–mediated APP processing. Strong inhibitory activity was confirmed in both yeast-based assays and a β-galactosidase reporter system. Brain-targeted AAV vectors for 3FTX expression are currently under development, with evaluation in AD model mice planned. Acting at sites distinct from traditional GSIs, 3FTXs offer a novel and promising approach for AD prevention and treatment.
- Company：Tohoku Techno Arch Co., Ltd.
- Price：Other
