Principal Investigator:
Guy Sauvageau
UdeM
Co-investigators
Anne Marinier
RejuvenRx
Project of $3,505,425 over 3 years
- Supported by CQDM through:
- Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie du Québec (MEIE)
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
- And by a co-funding partner:
- RejuvenRx
Challenge
Stem cell aging is caused by several well described hallmarks, most notably changes of the “epigenome”, which represent transient or permanent additions of molecules to DNA and surrounding proteins that turn genes on and off. Clearance of dysfunctional proteins is also severely perturbed with aging as is energy production and utilisation.
Solution
Dr. Sauvageau’s team has recently identified a novel cell-signaling pathway which, when activated, reverses stem cell aging and has the potential not only to halt the progression of age-related diseases, but to cure them. Researchers have recently discovered and developed a molecule that activates this signaling pathway; however, this molecule is not bioavailable when taken orally. This is a major issue preventing its use in humans. The project involves developing derivatives of this molecule and proving its efficacy in animal models.
Achievements/Impact
This project will provide a better understanding of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and identify a potential therapeutic solution for them. This new therapy could increase quality of life and potentially cure the hundreds of thousands of Quebecers suffering from these diseases, while considerably reducing costs for the healthcare system. Several ex vivo studies have demonstrated that the therapy has the potential to revolutionize the management of several age-related diseases. However, developing bioavailable molecules is crucial to patient treatment. The project targets a signaling pathway that has only recently been discovered, positioning Quebec as a leader in this field.
