Bryostatin, a PKC epsilon Activator, Generates New Synapses Through Accumulation of the Synaptic Anchoring Protein PSD-95 at Neuronal Membranes

MORGANTOWN, W.Va., June 21, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute (BRNI) today announced that its lead Alzheimer's drug, Bryostatin, licensed to Neurotrope Bioscience, Inc., increases the levels of the synaptic scaffolding protein, PSD-95 and induces the movement of phosphorylated PSD-95 to the neuronal membranes.  The study, conducted within the BRNI basic research programs showed that Bryostatin – induced activation of PKC epsilon increased synaptic number, pre-synaptic vesicle density, and clusters of PSD-95.  It is known that either Aβ or tau, both toxic proteins in Alzheimer's disease brains, can induce reduction of PSD-95 in excitatory synapses in hippocampus. Furthermore, this PSD-95 reduction continues to occur as the Alzheimer's pathologies advance.  A Phase II clinical trial (Neurotrope Bioscience, Inc.) is underway to test the efficacy of Bryostatin for the treatment of the causes and progression of Alzheimer's disease.

The new study, demonstrating for the first time a close relationship between PKC epsilon (ε) and its downstream target, PSD-95, is entitled "PKC epsilon Promotes Synaptogenesis through Membrane accumulation of the Postsynaptic Density Protein PSD-95" with lead author, Dr. Abhik Sen, as published online in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, June 21, 2016.  "Dr. Sen, together with Dr. Tom Nelson, continue to reveal important new insights into the processes of brain degeneration and regeneration," said Dr. Alkon, Scientific Director of BRNI.

"Our studies consistently demonstrate that the synaptogenic growth factors such as BDNF, NGF, IGF, etc. are increased by Bryostatin-induced activation of PKC epsilon.  Bryostatin has the ability to regenerate the brain wiring lost in pre-clinical disease models and entirely restore memory capacity due to many causes of neurodegeneration such as Alzheimer's, Fragile X, and TBI.  Dr. Alkon went on to say, "This latest article provides major new evidence that BRNI is developing and Neurotrope is clinically testing Bryostatin as a potential "universal" therapeutic for neurodegeneration in the brain, however it arises, even due to disease genes as distinct as Fragile X, ApoE, and Presenilin – as recently described in a BRNI review article published in the June 2015 edition of Trends in Pharmacological Sciences (Vol. 36 No. 6. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tips.2015.04.004 ).  Neurotrope is currently conducting a Phase 2B clinical trial to validate PKC epsilon activation therapy in Alzheimer's disease, a potential paradigm shift in the field, for which Bryostatin already has received Orphan Drug status from the FDA for  Fragile X Syndrome (FRX).

About The Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute
Located in Morgantown, West Virginia, BRNI, at West Virginia University, is a unique, independent, non-profit institute dedicated to the study of memory and finding solutions to memory disorders.  BRNI was founded in 1999 in memory of Blanchette Ferry Hooker Rockefeller, an Alzheimer's patient and mother of U.S. Senator John D. Rockefeller IV.  BRNI is operated in alliance with West Virginia University.

About Neurotrope
Neurotrope BioScience, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Neurotrope, Inc., is at the forefront of biotechnology companies having a focus on developing a novel therapy for the treatment of moderately severe to severe Alzheimer's disease. The scientific basis of our treatment is activation of Protein Kinase C isozymes ε and α by bryostatin, a natural product, which can result in repair of damaged synapses as well as synaptogenesis, reduction of toxic amyloid generation, and enhancement of memory and learning, thus having the potential to improve cognition and behavior in Alzheimer's disease.

NTRP has exclusively licensed technology from the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute for Alzheimer's disease, Fragile X Syndrome, stroke, and other neurologic disorders characterized by brain degeneration.

Contact:
Karen Stakem
304-218-8354
[email protected]

SOURCE Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute

Related Links

www.BRNI.org