calpain抑制によるアルツハイマー認知症抑制の可能性

Calpain:

Cysteine proteinase found in many tissues. Hydrolyzes a variety of endogenous proteins including neuropeptides, cytoskeletal proteins, proteins from smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, liver, platelets and erythrocytes. Two subclasses having high and low calcium sensitivity are known. Removes Z-discs and M-lines from myofibrils. Activates phosphorylase kinase and cyclic nucleotide-independent protein kinase. This enzyme was formerly listed as EC 3.4.22.4.(MeSH)

Calpainの抑制は、アルツハイマー病マウスモデルでの記憶・シナプス伝達を改善する

Inhibition of calpains improves memory and synaptic transmission in a mouse model of Alzheimer disease
J. Clin. Invest. 118(8): 2796-2807 (2008). doi:10.1172/JCI34254.

Calpains are calcium-dependent enzymes that determine the fate of proteins through regulated proteolytic activity. Calpains have been linked to the modulation of memory and are key to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD).

calpainはニューロンの生存に必須蛋白の破壊的に働く。
Cysteine protease inhibitorであるE64、さらなる抑制剤BDA-410 により、海馬でのニューロン機能保存が示された