P21 (Peptide)
Overview
A small synthetic peptide derived from the active region of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) designed to promote neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. P21 is a tetrapeptide that crosses the blood-brain barrier and enhances dentate gyrus neurogenesis by increasing BDNF expression. Unlike full-length CNTF, P21 does not activate the JAK-STAT pathway or produce the anorectic and immunogenic effects of the parent protein.
Key Research Findings
Preclinical studies in Alzheimer's disease mouse models showed significant improvements in spatial learning and memory, correlated with increased hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic density (Bolognin et al., Neurobiol Dis, 2014). Reduced tau hyperphosphorylation and neurofibrillary pathology in transgenic mice. Currently in preclinical development with no human clinical trials completed.
Subcutaneous injection, Intranasal
Research Phase
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