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Neurodegenerative Diseases
Overview
Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of diseases that worsen over time due to the loss of neurons and/or their myelin sheaths, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Huntington's disease (HD). These diseases place a tremendous physical, mental, and financial burden on patients and their families. Traditional treatments can alleviate the symptoms but cannot fundamentally reverse the disease process. In recent years, marine natural products have become a new hotspot for drug development for neurodegenerative diseases due to their unique biological activities and structural diversity. CD BioSciences has rich experience and advanced technology and is committed to promoting the application of MNPs in drug development for neurodegenerative diseases.
Figure 1. Chemical structures of marine molecules with neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer's Disease: (Hu D, et al., 2023)
The Potential of MNPs for Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Inhibit pathological processes. A large number of studies have shown that certain MNPs can inhibit the aggregation of proteins related to neurodegenerative diseases, such as inhibiting the aggregation of β-amyloid protein (Aβ), thereby reducing pathological damage.
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Polyphenols and other substances in MNPs have high free radical scavenging ability and can effectively reduce oxidative stress damage to the nervous system. At the same time, some active substances also have the effect of inhibiting inflammatory responses and can improve the impact of inflammation on neurodegenerative diseases.
- Protect neurons. Certain marine drugs can inhibit protein aggregation associated with Parkinson's disease and reduce the severity of the disease. It also can protect dopamine neurons, which is of great significance for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Classic MNPs and Neuroprotective Effects
- Manzamine A. Manzamine A is derived from sponges and has been found to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects. It protects neurons from oxidative stress and apoptosis as well as shows potential therapeutic effects in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease models.
- Fucoxanthin. Fucoxanthin is a natural product derived from brown algae with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can reduce the damage of oxidative stress to nerve cells. It has been studied for use in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, showing some neuroprotective effects.
- Astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant extracted from red algae that crosses the blood-brain barrier, reduces neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and shows protective effects in various neurodegenerative disease models.
- Ziconotide. Ziconotide is a calcium channel blocker derived from marine mollusks that has potent analgesic properties. It reduces chronic pain by blocking nerve signaling, is approved to treat refractory pain, and has shown potential in pain management for neurodegenerative diseases.
What Can We Offer?
- MNPs Library Construction
We have a rich library of MNPs covering active compounds derived from a variety of marine organisms. Through advanced separation and purification technology and efficient structural identification methods, we continue to expand and optimize this resource library to meet the diverse needs of drug screening.
- Screening
Using high-throughput screening technology, we were able to rapidly screen candidate compounds with neuroprotective effects. Our screening platform includes multiple screening systems such as cell models, molecular targets, and animal models to ensure the reliability and validity of screening results.
- Mechanism Research
For the screened active compounds, we use a variety of molecular biology and biochemical methods to conduct in-depth studies on their mechanisms of action. Including but not limited to signal pathway analysis, gene expression regulation, protein interaction, etc., to provide a scientific basis for subsequent drug development.
- Pharmacodynamic and Toxicological Studies
During the preclinical research phase, we provide comprehensive pharmacodynamic and toxicological research services. Through cell experiments and animal experiments, the efficacy and safety of candidate drugs are evaluated to ensure that they have good development prospects.
- Customized Services
We focus on cooperation with customers and provide flexible customized services. Whether it is from the early screening of projects, mid-term mechanism research, or late-stage pharmacodynamic and toxicological evaluation, we can provide tailor-made solutions based on customer needs.
Related Services & Products
With a professional research team and advanced experimental platforms, CD BioSciences provides clients with a full range of marine natural product screening and drug development services, covering all aspects from preliminary screening to preclinical studies, to promote research on neurodegenerative diseases. If you would like more information about our services or products, please contact us.
Reference
- Hu D, Jin Y, Hou X, et al. (2023). Application of marine natural products against Alzheimer's disease: past, present and future[J]. Marine Drugs. 21(1): 43.
Please kindly note that our services can only be used to support research purposes (Not for clinical use).