UC San Diego researchers found that injections of the naturally occurring peptide catestatin reduced tau and amyloid buildup and brain inflammation in mice with neurodegenerative symptoms, while improving cognition and motor coordination. Effects in humans remain unknown.
The study was published in Molecular Therapy. Researchers say further studies must establish catestatin’s safety, dosing and effectiveness before it can be evaluated as a potential treatment.
The researchers said current treatments target either amyloid or tau, while catestatin affected several disease-associated pathways. They are also investigating whether it changes how the brain produces and uses energy.
