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Fyn kinase inhibition as a novel therapy for Alzheimer's disease

Haakon B Nygaard1, Christopher H van Dyck2, Stephen M Strittmatter1

  • 1Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, PO Box 208018, New Haven, CT 06520, USA ; Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Yale University School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, BCMM 436, New Haven, CT 06536, USA.

Alzheimer'S Research & Therapy
|February 6, 2014
PubMed

Insights

This study explores the Fyn signaling pathway in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Targeting Fyn with saracatinib offers a novel therapeutic strategy for AD, addressing key pathological hallmarks.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder affecting the elderly.
  • Current AD therapies are in late-stage trials, but rational drug design targeting specific pathways is emerging.
  • Amyloid-beta (Aβ) oligomers binding to cellular prion protein activate the tyrosine kinase Fyn.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the signaling pathway involving Fyn in Alzheimer's disease.
  • To highlight Fyn as a therapeutic target due to its role in Aβ and Tau pathology.
  • To report on a Phase Ib clinical trial of saracatinib for AD treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific literature on Fyn signaling in AD.
  • Analysis of evidence implicating Fyn in AD pathogenesis.
  • Enrollment of patients in a Phase Ib study of saracatinib (AZD0530).

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests Fyn activation by Aβ oligomers contributes to AD pathology.
  • Fyn interacts with both Aβ and Tau, key pathological hallmarks of AD.
  • A Phase Ib study of saracatinib, a Fyn inhibitor, is currently enrolling patients.

Conclusions:

  • Fyn represents a unique therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease.
  • Saracatinib's potential as an AD treatment will be evaluated in ongoing and planned clinical trials.
  • Targeting the Fyn pathway offers a novel strategy for addressing major AD pathologies.

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