Sea cucumber polypeptide ameliorates aging properties via the brain-gut axis in naturally aging mice.

Background: Sea cucumber has been recognized as a traditional nutraceutical in Chinese medicine for millennia, with its derived polypeptide (SCP) demonstrating diverse bioactive properties. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms underlying SCP's potential geroprotective effects remain insufficiently characterized.

Methods: We systematically evaluated SCP's impact on neuromotor function and cognitive performance in physiologically aged C57BL/6 J mice models using a behavioral test battery comprising open field, Y-maze, and Barnes maze paradigms.

Harnessing the Power of Natural Products for Targeted Protein Degradation.

Natural products have garnered significant attention due to their complex chemical structures and remarkable pharmacological activities. With inherent recognition capabilities for protein surfaces, natural products serve as ideal candidates for designing proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs). The utilization of natural products in PROTAC development offers distinct advantages, including their rich chemical diversity, multitarget activities, and sustainable sourcing.

Targeting LRP6: A new strategy for cancer therapy.

Targeting specific molecular drivers of tumor growth is a key approach in cancer therapy. Among these targets, the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6), a vital component of the Wnt signaling pathway, has emerged as an intriguing candidate. As a cell-surface receptor and vital co-receptor, LRP6 is frequently overexpressed in various cancer types, implicating its pivotal role in driving tumor progression.

Research progress on the chemical components and biological activities of sea cucumber polypeptides.

Owing to their unique physical and chemical properties and remarkable biological activities, marine biological resources are emerging as important sources of raw materials for producing health products, food, and cosmetics. Collagen accounts for approximately 70% of the sea cucumber body wall, and its hydrolysis produces small-molecule collagen polypeptides with diverse biological functions, such as anticancer, antihypertensive, immune-enhancing, memory-enhancing, and cartilage tissue repairing effects. Notably, the potential of sea cucumber polypeptides in combination with anticancer therapy has garnered considerable attention.