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Targeting the CREB pathway for memory enhancers
Tim Tully1, Rusiko Bourtchouladze, Rod Scott
1Helicon Therapeutics, Inc., One Bioscience Park Drive, Farmingdale, New York 11743, USA.
Abstract:
Today, the clinical notion of 'memory disorder' is largely synonymous with 'Alzheimer's disease.' Only 50% of all dementias are of the Alzheimer's type though, and dementias represent only the more severe of all learning/memory disorders that derive from heredity, disease, injury or age. Perhaps as many as 30 million Americans suffer some type of clinically recognized memory disorder. To date, therapeutic drugs of only one class have been approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Fortunately, basic research during the past 25 years has begun to define a 'chemistry of brain plasticity,' which is suggesting new gene targets for the discovery of memory enhancers.
Insights
Millions suffer memory disorders, often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's disease. Research into brain plasticity chemistry offers new targets for developing memory-enhancing drugs.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Memory disorders are often equated with Alzheimer's disease, but this represents only 50% of all dementias.
- Dementias are the most severe form of learning and memory impairments, which can stem from various causes like heredity, disease, injury, or aging.
- An estimated 30 million Americans experience clinically recognized memory disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the discrepancy between the clinical perception of memory disorders and their actual prevalence and causes.
- To underscore the limited therapeutic options currently available for Alzheimer's disease.
- To introduce the emerging field of 'brain plasticity chemistry' as a promising avenue for novel memory enhancer development.
Main Methods:
- Review of current clinical definitions and prevalence of memory disorders.
- Analysis of the limitations of existing Alzheimer's disease treatments.
- Exploration of recent advancements in basic neuroscience research focusing on brain plasticity.
Main Results:
- Alzheimer's disease accounts for only half of all dementia cases.
- Current pharmacological treatments for Alzheimer's disease are restricted to a single class of drugs.
- Foundational research over 25 years has elucidated the 'chemistry of brain plasticity.'
Conclusions:
- There is a significant unmet need for broader treatments for memory disorders beyond Alzheimer's disease.
- The understanding of brain plasticity chemistry provides a foundation for identifying new therapeutic targets.
- Future drug discovery efforts can focus on these novel gene targets to develop effective memory enhancers.
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