PolyU research breakthrough opens new pathway for Alzheimer's treatment

Hong Kong Polytechnic University researchers have uncovered the key mechanism of tetrandrine, an extract from Chinese medicine, opening new possibilities for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

The research team, led by Professor Ben Ko Chi-bun, used specialized photoaffinity probes to visualize how tetrandrine targets LIMP-2 proteins on lysosomes, altering calcium ion release and interfering with virus survival and replication.

Previous studies had identified tetrandrine's anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, particularly against Ebola virus, but its exact mechanism remained unknown until now. The discovery reveals the compound works by regulating calcium signaling through lysosomes rather than directly targeting calcium channels.

This breakthrough suggests new drug development directions targeting lysosome-related mechanisms for conditions involving calcium imbalance, including neurodegenerative diseases and certain cancer metastases.

The team also established a technology platform combining photoaffinity probes with multi-omics analysis, enabling broader research into natural products' biological properties, particularly those derived from traditional Chinese medicine.