Researchers at the Hawai’i Pacific University have made progress in the development of a novel drug to treat hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in newborn infants.
Blocking TRPM7 for a reduced risk of brain cell death
The novel research paper describes compounds identified in the Hawaiian soft coral Sinularia edmondsoni that has the ability to block the TRPM7 ion channel in brain cells.
Slowing the activity of this ion channel may be effective in helping to treat infants suffering with a temporary lack of oxygen, which can lead to brain injury.
HPU Chemistry Professor David Horgen commented: ”The research we are doing in partnership with the University of Toronto, Baylor University, and The Queen’s Medical Center has great potential to create an effective drug to infants suffering from a hypoxic event and to complement the only existing therapy which is to reduce a newborn’s body temperature. This research may also lead to treatments for adults who have suffered a stroke.”
TRPM7 overactivity associated with hypoxia in newborns
The TRPM7 protein can become unregulated and overactive during hypoxic events in newborns, which can cause a cascade of brain alterations and — subsequently — the death of brain cells.
Horgen added: “Blocking TRPM7 or putting the brakes on before the damage is triggered will help prevent brain damage,” explained “The damage happens because the brain cells get overloaded by calcium, and when cells are overloaded, they need to pump it out as fast as they can.”
“Eventually, cells run out of energy, exhausting themselves and eventually dying. When this happens, it causes nearby cells to overload with calcium and die—a domino effect. Our research seeks to cut this process off early, blocking one critical path for calcium to enter into the cells.”
Grants supporting the drug's development
HPU and its partners received a grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke in 2023 to research and develop the drug.
The two-year grant includes a third contingent year that puts the award over USD $1m. Horgen is the co-principal investigator and serves as project coordinator on the grant.
[Photo credit: Community Corals — Andi's Korallenwelt]