Vitamin K Analogs Show Promise in Combating Neurodegenerative Diseases
TOKYO, JAPAN – September 12, 2025 – Researchers at the Shibaura Institute of Technology have identified vitamin K analogs as potential therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative diseases, offering a novel approach to treating conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The findings, published today, suggest these compounds could modify proteins implicated in disease progression, potentially halting or slowing neuronal damage.
Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions worldwide, with numbers projected to rise dramatically as global populations age. Current treatments primarily manage symptoms, offering limited long-term benefit. This research introduces a fundamentally different strategy – targeting the underlying biological mechanisms of these diseases with readily available, biocompatible compounds. The team’s work focuses on how vitamin K analogs interact with gamma-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX),an enzyme crucial for modifying specific proteins in the brain.Disruptions in this process are linked to the advancement and progression of several neurodegenerative conditions.
The study revealed that certain vitamin K analogs can effectively enhance GGCX activity,leading to improved protein function and potentially protecting neurons from the damaging effects of disease.Further research is underway to determine the optimal analogs and delivery methods for clinical application, with the hope of initiating human trials within the next few years.
This research was provided by Shibaura Institute of Technology.
Citation: Vitamin K analogs may help transform the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (2025, September 12) retrieved September 13, 2025 from https://phys.org/news/2025-09-vitamin-analogs-treatment-neurodegenerative-diseases.html. This document is subject to copyright and is intended for information purposes only.
