Development of cognitive enhancers based on inhibition of insulin-regulated aminopeptidase
2008

Cognitive Enhancers Targeting Insulin-Regulated Aminopeptidase

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Chai Siew Yeen, Yeatman Holly R, Parker Michael W, Ascher David B, Thompson Philip E, Mulvey Hayley T, Albiston Anthony L

Primary Institution: Howard Florey Institute, The University of Melbourne

Hypothesis

Can insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) be a novel target for cognitive enhancers?

Conclusion

Peptides angiotensin IV and LVV-hemorphin 7 enhance memory and may serve as a basis for developing new cognitive enhancers targeting IRAP.

Supporting Evidence

  • Angiotensin IV and LVV-hemorphin 7 were found to enhance memory in various tasks.
  • These peptides bind specifically to IRAP, which is linked to memory effects.
  • IRAP knockout mice showed improved performance in memory tasks compared to wild-type mice.

Takeaway

Some special proteins can help improve memory, and scientists are looking at how to use them to make better memory-boosting medicines.

Methodology

The study involved testing the effects of peptide inhibitors on memory tasks in animal models.

Limitations

The exact mechanism of how the peptides enhance memory is not fully understood, and the peptides may not be suitable for human therapy without further development.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2202-9-S2-S14

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