A transcriptomic study reveals beneficial effects of HsTX1[R14A] on the cognition of a mouse model of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease

Increased expression of the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.3 in activated microglia and the subsequent release of pro-inflammatory mediators are closely associated with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Studies have demonstrated that blockade of microglial Kv1.3 has the potential to improve cognitive function in mouse model of familial AD. Our laboratory has developed a potent and highly selective Kv1.3 peptide blocker, HsTX1[R14A]. This study aims to demonstrate the efficacy of HsTX1[R14A] in a mouse model of sporadic AD, the senescence accelerated mouse (SAMP8). SAMP8 mice were subcutaneously dosed with either PBS or HsTX1[R14A] (1 mg/kg) every other day from 4 months old for 8 weeks. We then performed gene expression profiling analysis using data obtained from RNA-seq of the brains collected from these mice at the conclusion of treatment. Comparative gene expression profiling analysis of RNA-seq data for HsTX1[R14A]- or PBS-treated SAMP8 mouse brains