Walnut-Derived Peptide Activates PINK1 via the NRF2/KEAP1/HO-1 Pathway, Promotes Mitophagy, and Alleviates Learning and Memory Impairments in a Mice Model

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c07546
• Publication Date: 2021-02-17T02:16:15Z
• Authors: Fanrui Zhao; Chunlei Liu; Li Fang; Hongyan Lu; Ji Wang; Yawen Gao; Rosita Gabbianelli; Weihong Min
• Keywords: PINK1

Mitophagy has a pivotal protective function in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. However, mechanism its modulation remains elusive, especially PINK1-mediated mitophagy. Here, we investigated neuroprotective effects walnut-derived peptide, YVLLPSPK, against scopolamine-induced cognitive deficits mice and explored underlying mitophagy mechanisms H2O2-treated HT-22 cells. Using Morris water maze, showed that YVLLPSPK relieved deficiency by alleviating oxidative stress. Mitochondrial morphology was observed hippocampal tissues using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Both Western blot immunofluorescence analysis illustrated promoted expression mitophagy-related proteins activated NRF2/KEAP1/HO-1 pathway. Subsequently, an NRF2 inhibitor (ML385) used to verify contribution YVLLPSPK-regulated pathway These data suggested improved learning memory cognitive-impaired through associated with via