Characterization of a Potent Neurogenic Compound

Salk Institute For Biological Studies, La Jolla CA

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Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Although neurogenesis occurs primarily during development, it is an active process that persists throughout life, and may play a role in normal learning and memory. Decreased levels of neurogenesis occur with age and perhaps in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, understanding the molecular basis of stem cell division and differentiation within the central nervous system (CNS) deserves thorough investigation. A novel drug discovery paradigm was used to select drug candidates for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases that is based on efficacy in cell culture models of multiple, age-associated pathologies. This scheme has identified a potent, orally active compound, J147, which facilitates memory in normal rodents, prevents behavioral deficits and synaptic protein loss in AD transgenic mice, and reverses cognitive loss in aged transgenic AD mice. J147 is also neurogenic in mice, in adult rat hippocampal precursor cells in culture, and for human ESC-derived neural precursor cells. In addition, it has the unique ability of inhibiting the division of cells destined to be astrocytes. The overall aim in this study is to identify the type and fate of cells that respond to J147 in the mouse brain and to use this compound to better understand the molecular pathways involved in neurogenesis both in vivo and in cell culture models. Therefore the phenotype of the nerve-like cells made in response to J147 will be characterized both in animals and in a rat hippocampal precursor cell line that can produce either nerve or glia. Because the therapeutic potential of compounds like J147 in AD, it will be asked if J147 can induce neurogenesis in very old mice where other neurogenic compounds fail to act. Importantly, neurogenesis will be reduced by two independent methods and it will be asked if J147 is still able to enhance memory. Finally, a new proteomics approach will be used to identify the molecular signaling pathways responsible for J147-induced cell division and nerve differentiation. Results from this study may lead to a therapeutic application of J147 based upon manipulating neural stem cells to improve CNS health.