?? Super excited to share the results from our joint study with Dr. Alejandro Ocampo showing that brain-specific partial reprogramming can ameliorate cognitive decline. More evidence for the CNS potential of reprogramming, as we previously saw in Alzheimer's previously — as did Altos Labs with their collaborators. Exciting times for partial reprogramming ahead!
https://lnkd.in/gZ2xsFRJ
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Here are some excerpts from the press release:
The study, titled "Neuron-specific partial reprogramming in the dentate gyrus impacts mouse behavior and ameliorates age-related decline in memory and learning," demonstrates that brain-specific induction of partial reprogramming can ameliorate cognitive decline associated with aging. These findings add to the growing body of evidence for the therapeutic potential of?in vivo?partial reprogramming for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
Key Findings
This study used two different approaches: a neuron-specific transgenic reprogrammable mouse model and a neuron-specific targeted lentiviral delivery of OSKM reprogramming factors. Both methods showed that partial reprogramming of adult neurons in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus impacts animal behavior and cognitive function, and mitigates age-related decline in memory and learning.
Future Plans and Alzheimer's Research
YouthBio is committed to investigating the use of partial reprogramming in the CNS with a particular focus on Alzheimer's disease. In another study using transgenic ARTE10 mice treated with brain-specific inducible OSKM vectors, YouthBio observed reduced amyloid beta levels and a lower brain plaque burden in pivotal areas such as the hippocampus, and improved cognitive performance in behavioral tests compared to untreated controls. Based on these promising results, YouthBio has filed a provisional patent application with the USPTO.
YouthBio's results are independently validated by a team of researchers from Altos Labs, the?University of Barcelona, and the Max Planck Institute, who demonstrated favorable outcomes in preventing Alzheimer's symptoms through brain-specific partial reprogramming in a 5xFAD mouse model. Their study, "Expansion of the Neocortex and Protection from Neurodegeneration by?In Vivo?Transient Reprogramming," corroborates YouthBio's positive findings.
Clinical Trials and Beyond
YouthBio aims to advance its Alzheimer's disease therapy to clinical trials within three years. During this period, the company will conduct the necessary preclinical studies, GMP manufacturing, and regulatory preparations essential for filing an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the FDA.
