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GOLD MEDAL
Cartoon Character1
Major Depressive Disorder
(MDD)
is a severe mental health conditions characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and various emotional and physical problems.
Globally, approximately 280 million people suffer from depression, accounting for 3.8% of the total population.
In China,about 95 million people are affected by depression,with around 280,000 committing suicide each year, 40% of whom have severe depression.
In recent years, the prevalence of depression among adolescents has significantly increased, reaching
15-20%
However, antidepressant medications currently face issues such as significant side effects, drug resistance, delayed efficacy, and heavy economic burdens on patients, all of which affect patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes.
So,how can we help?
Literature showed that the decoupling of SERT-nNOS can effectively enhance the activation of serotonergic neuronsin DRN exerting rapid antidepressant effects.
Utilizing molecular docking and SPR, we identified inosine as a molecule capable of successfully decoupling SERT-nNOS
We engineered Lactobacillus plantarum L168 to produce inosine by incorporating the key enzyme seauence asK
Upon administration, the engineered probiotics reach the gut and release inosine, which then enters the brain through blood circulation and the gut-brain axis, effectively disconnecting SERT from nNOS to alleviate depressive symptoms.
Accordingly, we genetically engineered Lactobacillus plantarum L168 to biosynthesize theanine and niacin, aiming to develop therapy for Alzheimer's disease and depressions, respectively. Our aim is to assist patients suffering from depression and Alzheimer's Disease in reclaiming their cognitive functions and emotional well-being.
is a brain disorder that gradually impairs memory and cognitive abilities, eventually leading to the inability to perform even the simplest tasks, making it a significant threat to the mental and physical health of the elderly population.
Together, they constitute 416 million individual sacross the AD continuumaccounting for 22% of all individuals aged 50 andabove.
According to epidemiological statistics, the global number of individuals with AD dementia, prodromal AD, and preclinical AD were estimated at 32, 69, and 315 million, respectively.
Considering predementia stages, the number of individuals with AD is much larger than previously reported in available literature.
Currently, there are no effective medications for Alzheimer's disease, and the cost of dementia care for elderly patients is exorbitant, posing a heavy burden on society, families, and individuals. This realization has prompted our team to recognize the necessity of improving this situation.
So,how can we help?
Recent studies show that LilrB3-APOE4 interactions activate interferon-stimulated genes, impairing microglial phagocytosis and promoting amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition, increasing AD risk. We used molecular docking and SPR Biacore to identify tetrahydrofolate from gut microbiota metabolites as an effective LilrB3 binder.


We engineered Lactobacillus plantarum L168 to produce tetrahydrofolate by incorporating key enzyme gene sequences. Upon administration, the engineered probiotics reach the gut and release these compounds, which enter the brain via the gut-brain axis. Tetrahydrofolate binds to the LilrB3 receptor, preventing APOE4 interaction and inhibiting Aβ deposition.
CONTACT US
  • njmuigem2021@163.com
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