The research project titled "Development of a First-in-Class Therapeutic Targeting Thyroid Hormone Metabolism and Demyelination Co-mechanism in Brain Diseases Targeting Alzheimer's Disease" led by Professor Kim Ki-pyo (Department of Biomedical Sciences) of the Catholic University of Korea, Catholic Central Medical Center's Advanced Cell Therapy Business Group, has been selected as a new project for the Global Joint Research Support Program (International Research Collaboration Support) by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute. This research is set to receive a total of KRW 1.5 billion over the next three years, with KRW 500 million allocated annually.

In this national research project, Professor Kim will utilize induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from patients with genetic and sporadic Alzheimer's disease. Induced pluripotent stem cells are stem cells created by reverting skin or blood cells, which are then differentiated into oligodendrocytes (cells that produce myelin) for use in experiments. This approach allows for a detailed analysis of the characteristic changes observed in cells from Alzheimer's patients.

The study will also evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of a new drug candidate (thyroid hormone analog) based on thyroid hormones. The focus will be on elucidating the mechanisms through which it operates at the cellular level.

Alzheimer's disease is a representative degenerative brain disorder characterized by memory loss and increasing difficulty in daily life. Previously, it was widely believed that amyloid beta and tau proteins accumulating in the brain damaged nerve cells. However, recent studies have revealed other contributing factors.

When cholesterol metabolism in the brain is not properly conducted, a phenomenon known as "demyelination" occurs, which is the process of damage to the protective sheath (myelin) of nerve cells. This leads to the deterioration of the brain's white matter (nerve cell network), resulting in rapid declines in memory and cognitive functions. Professor Kim's research team plans to focus intensively on this pathological mechanism.

The research tool of interest to Professor Kim's team is the "myelin organoid."

Organoids are small organ models created using induced pluripotent stem cells that can mimic the structure and function of human organs in the laboratory. The myelin organoid is a brain model designed to replicate the myelin structure that wraps around and protects nerve cell axons. It is expected to play a crucial role in studying the development of myelin, drug screening, and the development of patient-tailored therapeutic strategies.

This research will be conducted in collaboration with leading domestic and international researchers. Professor Lee Jae-young of the Department of Convergence Medical Science at Sungkyunkwan University's Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology and Professor Steve Petratos of Monash University in Australia are participating.

Professor Lee aims to elucidate the relationship between thyroid hormone metabolism defects and Alzheimer's disease and verify therapeutic potential through animal experiments. Professor Petratos will focus on assessing the stability and toxicity of thyroid hormone analogs and securing the chemical properties, manufacturing processes, and quality control systems of the new drug candidate.

This global joint research is expected to establish an international research network through ongoing collaboration with Monash University in Australia, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and technology among researchers and laying the groundwork for solving the challenges of intractable brain diseases like Alzheimer's disease.

Professor Kim stated, "This research will contribute to advancing the treatment of Alzheimer's disease," and added, "It is expected to play an important role in proposing personalized treatment methods for Alzheimer's disease."

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