UC San Diego Researchers Identify Natural Peptide to Combat Alzheimer's Disease
Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine and the VA San Diego Healthcare System have identified a naturally occurring peptide fragment called catestatin (CST) that shows promise in treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Published in Molecular Therapy, their study in animal models demonstrated that CST can simultaneously reduce the accumulation of amyloid and tau proteins, decrease neuroinflammation, and improve cognitive and motor functions. Unlike many experimental drugs that target single aspects of these diseases, CST intervenes across multiple interconnected pathological pathways. The peptide is derived from chromogranin A, a protein involved in neurotransmitter storage and cellular signaling, suggesting its broad systemic versatility extends to the central nervous system. This multi-target approach addresses the complex nature of neurodegenerative disorders, which involve a network of problems including protein aggregation, inflammation, metabolic dysfunc...
