Exendin-4 and Alzheimer’s Disease
Exendin-4 and Alzheimer’s Disease
Exendin-4（E107854） is a peptide that functions as an agonist at the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor. It was originally identified in the venom of Heloderma suspectum (the Gila monster). GLP-1 itself is an endogenous peptide that promotes glucose-dependent insulin secretion. Acting as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, exendin-4 enhances insulin release and has demonstrated activity in diabetes treatment.
Heloderma suspectum
Growing evidence links neurodegenerative disorders—including Alzheimer’s disease—to impaired brain insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling. Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia often exhibit reduced levels of insulin and IGF in the brain, and diabetes is recognized as a significant risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease. Due to its insulin-stimulating effects, exendin-4 is being explored as a potential therapeutic for Alzheimer’s disease. GLP-1 and its analogues have been shown to protect memory formation, support synaptic function, prevent oxidative stress–induced neuronal injury, and reduce amyloid-β plaque accumulation. Exendin-4 can also cross the blood-brain barrier, making it available for central nervous system activity.
In experimental models of Parkinson’s disease and cerebral ischemia, exendin-4 has been shown to preserve motor function. In animal models of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion stroke, this peptide reduces brain injury and improves recovery outcomes. The same studies report that exendin-4 protects dopaminergic neurons from degeneration, maintains dopamine levels, and enhances motor performance in Parkinson’s disease models.
Aladdin also offers other GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Exendin-3 (rp173988) and GLP-1, 7–37 (G287230).
References:
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2. Hölscher C. CNS Drugs. 2012 Oct 1;26(10):871-82.
3. Hölscher C. Recent Pat CNS Drug Discov. 2010 Jun;5(2):109-17.
4. Li Y, Perry T, Kindy MS, Harvey BK, et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2009 Jan 27;106(4):1285-90.
Aladdin: https://www.aladdinsci.com/