Impairment of human memory is a hallmark symptom of many nervous system diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia and traumatic brain injuries. In order to identify genes that have an impact on human memory, US and Swiss researchers carried out a Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS) approach on healthy volunteers. They identified the so-called KIBRA gene, which was originally found in the kidney and brain, to have the largest single effect on episodic human memory performance. The importance of the KIBRA gene for human memory was further confirmed by demonstrating that the KIBRA genotype affects the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and that the KIBRA gene is expressed in the hippocampus – an important structure for memory formation. In preclinical studies it was shown that the modulation of KIBRA has an impact on learning and memory performance. In in vivo studies, an increase in KIBRA levels improves memory performance whilst a down-regulation has a deteriorating effect. As part of the related examinations an entirely new approach regarding the treatment of memory impairments was identified.
SYGNIS made good progress in developing drugs, which significantly improve memory performance by modulating the KIBRA-pathway in pharmacological therapy. Based on the already established in vitro and in vivo Proof of Principle for the role of KIBRA in learning and memory, SYGNIS has started a screening program, applying one of its proprietary assays, for the identification of suitable compounds, which could have an effect on the KIBRA activity. Based on these findings SYGNIS will further strengthen its intellectual property position regarding KIBRA in addition to numerous patent applications already filed.