A team of researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has made significant progress in the search for effective treatments for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
In a recent study published in the journal Drug Discovery Today, the scientists have highlighted the therapeutic potential of peptidomimetics — synthetic molecules that mimic the structure and function of natural proteins — to promote neuronal growth and survival, two key challenges in treating brain degeneration.
The study emphasizes that while neurotrophins (natural proteins essential for the survival and function of neurons) have shown promise in treatment, their instability and rapid breakdown in the body have limited their clinical use. To overcome this, the IASST team has been investigating synthetic neurotrophin mimetics that can offer greater stability, enhanced bioavailability, and longer-lasting therapeutic effects.
Led by Prof. Ashis K. Mukherjee, the researchers noted that these peptidomimetic drugs can be engineered to specifically target certain receptors in the brain, thereby minimizing side effects and improving efficacy.
“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,” the team stated.
The research delves into:
- The signaling pathways critical for neuronal regeneration.
- The pharmacological targets for peptidomimetics in neurodegenerative diseases.
- The potential to repurpose these synthetic drugs for other conditions, including cancer.
The team also envisions designing new drug prototypes based on neurotrophin-mimicking compounds that could be more effective and versatile than current treatments.
As the research progresses, peptidomimetics are poised to become a revolutionary approach in treating neurodegenerative disorders, offering renewed hope for millions of patients worldwide and shaping future therapeutic developments.
