Structure –activity relationship of a housefly neuroprotective dodecapeptide that activates the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway

In this study, we measured the neuroprotective effects of the antioxidant peptide DFTPVCTTELGR (DR12) from houseflyMusca domestica L. pupae. Treatment of PC12 and HT22 cells with DR12 significantly reduced glutamate-induced cytotoxicity. Peptide DR12 appeared to exert its neuroprotective effects by attenuating production of reactive oxygen species and malonaldehyde, upregulating the endogenous antioxidants superoxide dismutase and glutathione, and reversing the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, DR12 treatment activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway. Structure –activity analysis indicated that the superior neuroprotective function of DR12 was related to its cysteine residue. In summary, DR12 may be an attractive therapeutic peptide or precursor to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
Source: Journal of Natural Medicines - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research