Institute of Rheological Functions of Food (IRFF)

Publications

Research Papers

Plasmalogens Boost Natural Killer (NK) Cells to Fight against Virus and Cancer Cells

New Study Reveals How Plasmalogens Enhance NK Cell Function and Combat Age-Related Immune Decline. A groundbreaking study published in The Journal of Immunology has identified plasmalogens, specialized phospholipids that decrease with age, as crucial regulators of natural killer (NK) cell activity. Researchers discovered that plasmalogens activate the GPCR21 receptor on NK cells, triggering a signaling cascade that increases the production of Perforin-1, a key protein that enables NK cells to effectively target and destroy cancer cells. Additionally, oral supplementation of plasmalogens in mice was shown to inhibit tumor growth and prevent the spread of viral infections. These findings suggest that maintaining plasmalogen levels could be vital for preserving immune function and protecting against infections and cancer in the elderly, offering promising avenues for addressing age-related immune deficiencies.
Reference: Hossain, M. S., Mawatari, S., & Fujino, T. (2022). Plasmalogen-Mediated Activation of GPCR21 Regulates Cytolytic Activity of NK Cells against the Target Cells. The Journal of Immunology, 209, 310–325.

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Plasmalogens Boost Cognitive Function (Effective in treating patients with AD)

Plasmalogens (Pls), the unsung heroes of brain health, have been found to unlock the secrets of sharper memory and enhanced learning. These remarkable glycerophospholipids ignite brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) production in the hippocampus, fueling neurogenesis and supercharging cognitive abilities. By activating the ERK-Akt signaling pathways, Pls help recruit CREB transcription factors to key memory genes, strengthening synaptic connections and boosting long-term memory. A decline in Pls is linked to memory loss, making them a promising frontier for combating cognitive decline and enhancing brainpower naturally.

Reference: Hossain, M. S., Mawatari, S., & Fujino, T. (2022). Plasmalogens, the Vinyl Ether-Linked Glycerophospholipids, Enhance Learning and Memory by Regulating Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 10, Article 828282. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2022.828282.

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Unveiling KIT-13: A Revolutionary Plasmalogen Derivative for Cognitive Enhancement and Neuroprotection

Breakthrough Study Reveals KIT-13 as a Promising Neuroprotective Agent. A groundbreaking study highlights the potential of KIT-13, a novel plasmalogen derivative, in combating cognitive decline and neuroinflammation. KIT-13 significantly enhances memory, reduces neuroinflammation, and stimulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) production, surpassing the efficacy of natural plasmalogens. In mice, KIT-13 improved learning and memory, reduced amyloid beta accumulation, and inhibited neuronal apoptosis. This innovative compound also demonstrated robust neurogenesis and anti-inflammatory effects, positioning it as a potential therapeutic for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. KIT-13 offers a promising path forward in addressing cognitive impairment and age-related brain health challenges.

Reference: Hossain, M. S., Mawatari, S., Honsho, M., Okauchi, T., & Fujino, T. (2024). KIT-13, a novel plasmalogen derivative, attenuates neuroinflammation and amplifies cognition. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 12, Article 1443536. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2024.1443536

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Software & Tools

Genomics Analysis Tool

An advanced tool for RNASeq and transcriptomics data analysis.

A GUI-based software for analyzing and plotting genomic data.

Advanced software to automate mutation analysis in whole Genome of mice, humans, and C. elegans.

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Signaling Pathway Analyzer

Interactive software for visualizing Signaling Pathways derived from RNASeq Analysis.

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Behavioral Tracking

Advanced tool for tracking and analyzing animal behavior patterns.

C. elegans tracking software for identifying precise changes in movement.

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Other Publications

  2. Wu Y, Wang J, Deng Y, Angelov B, Fujino T, Hossain S, Angelova A. Lipid and Transcriptional Regulation in a Parkinson’s Disease Mouse Model by Intranasal Vesicular and Hexosomal Plasmalogen-Based Nanomedicines. Adv. Healthcare Mater. 2304588, (2024)
  4. Wu Y, Angelov B, Deng Y, Fujino T, Hossain S, Drechsler, M, Angelova A. Sustained CREB phosphorylation by lipid-peptide liquid crystalline nanoassemblies. Commun Chem 6 : 241, (2023)
  6. Obo T, Obo M, Fukuchi M, Sasuga Y, Fujino T, Kono S. Orally Administered Plasmalogens Alleviate Psycho-behavioral Parameters in Patients with Depressive Disorder: An Observational Study. Mega Journal of Case Reports, (2023)
  8. Kuwabara M, Irimajiri R, Togo S, Fujino Y, Honsho M, Mawatari S, Fujino T, Doi K. Complete Genome Sequence of the Thermophilic Enterococcus faecalis Strain K-4, Isolated from a Grass Silage in Thailand. Microbiol Resour Announc. 2023 Apr 18;12(4):e0081422. doi: 10.1128/mra.00814-22. Epub 2023 Mar 27. PMID: 36971556; PMCID: PMC10112162. (2023)
  10. Mawatari S, Fukata M, Arita T, Maruyama T, Kono S, Fujino T. Decreases of ethanolamine plasmalogen and phosphatidylcholine in erythrocyte are a common phenomenon in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and coronary artery diseases. Brain Res Bull. 2022 Oct 15;189:5-10. doi: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.08.009. Epub 2022 Aug 13. PMID: 35973579. (2022)
  12. Hossain M.S., Mawatari S., Fujino T. Plasmalogens, the Vinyl Ether-Linked Glycerophospholipids, Enhance Learning and Memory by Regulating Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. Front. Cell Dev. Biol., https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2022.828282 (2022)
  14. Maruyama T, Hieda M, Koyama T, Kawa T, Fujino T. Estimation of red cell filterability using two-step nickel mesh filtration system: a feasibility study of tandem filtration. Nihon Reoroji Gakkaishi Vol.50, No.1, 119~125, (2022)
  16. Maruyama T, Hieda M, Mawatari S, Fujino T. Rheological abnormalities in human erythrocytes subjected to oxidative inflammation. Front. Physiol.Volume 13 - 2022 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.837926 (2022)
  18. Maruyama T, Hieda M, Koyama T, Kawa T, Fujino T. Estimation of red cell filterability using two-step nickel mesh filtration system: a feasibility study of tandem filtration. Nihon Reoroji Gakkaishi 2022, 50:1-7. (2022)
  20. Hossain M.S., Mawatari S., Fujino T. Plasmalogens inhibit neuroinflammation and promote cognitive function. Brain Res. Bull., Nov 5;192:56-61. doi: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.11.005 (2022)
  22. Hossain M.S., Mawatari S., Fujino T. Plasmalogen-Mediated Activation of GPCR21 Regulates Cytolytic Activity of NK Cells against the Target Cells. J Immunol 209 (2): 310–325 (2022)
  24. Fujino T., Hossain M.S., Mawatari S. Therapeutic Efficacy of Plasmalogens for Alzheimer's Disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Parkinson's Disease in Conjunction with a New Hypothesis for the Etiology of Alzheimer's Disease. Adv. Exp. Med. Biol., 1299:195-212. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-60204-8_14 (2020)
  26. Hossain M.S., Mawatari S., Fujino T. Biological Functions of Plasmalogens. Adv. Exp. Med. Biol., 1299:171-193. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-60204-8_13 (2020)
  28. Hossain M.S., Oomura Y., Fujino T., Katafuchi T. Glucose signaling in the brain and periphery to memory. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 110:100-113 (2020).
  30. Youssef M., Ibrahim A., Akashi K., Hossain M.S., Sejimo S., Akashi K. PUFA-Plasmalogens attenuate the LPS-induced nitric oxide production by Inhibiting the NF-kB, p38 MAPK and JNK pathways in microglial cells. Neuroscience, 397:18-30. doi: 10.1016 (2019)
  32. Ali F., Hossain M.S., Sejimo S., Akashi K. Plasmalogens inhibit endocytosis of toll-like receptor 4 to attenuate the inflammatory signal in microglial cells. Molecular Neurobiology, 56(5):3404-3419 (2019)
  34. Sejimo S., Hossain M.S., Akashi K. Scallop-derived plasmalogens attenuate the activation of PKCδ associated with the brain inflammation. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 503(2):837-842 (2018)
  36. Noda M., Ifuku M., Hossain M.S., Katafuchi T. Glial activation and expression of the serotonin transporter in chronic fatigue syndrome. Frontiers in Psychiatry, doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00589 (2018)
  38. Hossain M.S., Tajima A., Kotoura S., Katafuchi T. Oral ingestion of plasmalogens can attenuate the LPS-induced memory loss and microglial activation. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 496:1033-1039 (2018)
  40. Hossain M.S., Ijiku M., Take S., Kawamura J., Miake K., Katafuchi T. Glucose can epigenetically alter the gene expression of neurotrophic factors in the murine brain cells. Molecular Neurobiology, 55:3408-3425 (2018)
  42. Hossain M.S., Abe Y., Karim M.R., Hossain M.A., Fujiki Y., Katafuchi T. Reduction of ether-type glycerophospholipids, plasmalogens, by NF-kB signal leading to microglial activation. Journal of Neuroscience. 37:4074-4092 (2017)
  44. Hossain M.S., Mineno K. and Katafuchi T. Neuronal orphan G-protein coupled receptor proteins mediate plasmalogens-induced activation of ERK and Akt survival signaling in neuroblastoma. PLoS ONE, 11:e1003996 (2016)
  46. Hossain M.S., and Katafuchi T. Role of brain lipids in glial activation. Adv. Neuroimmun. Biol., 6:61-67 (2016)
  48. Katafuchi T., Hossain M.S., Mineno K., Mohamed F.A. Bioactive lipids safeguard our brain from various challenges. Fukuoka Acta Medica, 106:293-301 (2015)
  50. Ifuku M., Hossain M.S., Noda M., Katafuchi T. Induction of IL-1β by activated microglia is a prerequisite for immunologically induced fatigue. European Journal of Neuroscience, 40:3253-3263 (2014)