Isolation and Characterization of Earthworm Peptides with Neuroprotective Effects in Parkinson’s Disease Models

The aim of this study was to identify peptides from <i>Lumbricus terrestris</i> with neuroprotective effects. Two peptides (GYSFTTTAER and AVFPSIVGR) isolated from earthworms improved cell viability of the SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line treated with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3-tetrahy...

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Main Authors: Guangyu Shi, Yikao Hu, Xiaolin Bai, Xun Liao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Molecules
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/9/1952
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author Guangyu Shi
Yikao Hu
Xiaolin Bai
Xun Liao
author_facet Guangyu Shi
Yikao Hu
Xiaolin Bai
Xun Liao
author_sort Guangyu Shi
collection DOAJ
description The aim of this study was to identify peptides from <i>Lumbricus terrestris</i> with neuroprotective effects. Two peptides (GYSFTTTAER and AVFPSIVGR) isolated from earthworms improved cell viability of the SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line treated with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3-tetrahydropyridinehydrochloride (MPP<sup>+</sup>), a commonly used model of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Both peptides increased the mitochondrial membrane potential and upregulated the mRNAs of mitophagy regulators PINK1 and Parkin in the MPP<sup>+</sup>-damaged cells. The in vitro assay and molecular docking indicated that both peptides exhibited moderate PINK1 agonistic activity. Furthermore, GYSFTTTAER and AVFPSIVGR extended the lifespan, improved locomotor behavior, and raised the ATP and dopamine levels at all ages in <i>PINK1<sup>B9</sup></i> mutant flies, a PD model characterized by loss-of-function of PINK1. These findings suggest that earthworm-derived peptides possess anti-neurodegenerative properties and hold potential for the development of health products and therapeutic agents for PD.
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spelling doaj-art-22a866a730ad4b9b83d0e2f6446861662025-08-20T02:59:11ZengMDPI AGMolecules1420-30492025-04-01309195210.3390/molecules30091952Isolation and Characterization of Earthworm Peptides with Neuroprotective Effects in Parkinson’s Disease ModelsGuangyu Shi0Yikao Hu1Xiaolin Bai2Xun Liao3Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, ChinaChengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, ChinaChengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, ChinaChengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, ChinaThe aim of this study was to identify peptides from <i>Lumbricus terrestris</i> with neuroprotective effects. Two peptides (GYSFTTTAER and AVFPSIVGR) isolated from earthworms improved cell viability of the SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line treated with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3-tetrahydropyridinehydrochloride (MPP<sup>+</sup>), a commonly used model of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Both peptides increased the mitochondrial membrane potential and upregulated the mRNAs of mitophagy regulators PINK1 and Parkin in the MPP<sup>+</sup>-damaged cells. The in vitro assay and molecular docking indicated that both peptides exhibited moderate PINK1 agonistic activity. Furthermore, GYSFTTTAER and AVFPSIVGR extended the lifespan, improved locomotor behavior, and raised the ATP and dopamine levels at all ages in <i>PINK1<sup>B9</sup></i> mutant flies, a PD model characterized by loss-of-function of PINK1. These findings suggest that earthworm-derived peptides possess anti-neurodegenerative properties and hold potential for the development of health products and therapeutic agents for PD.https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/9/1952earthwormneuroprotectionPINK1 agonistic activity<i>PINK1<sup>B9</sup></i> fliesanti-Parkinson’s disease
spellingShingle Guangyu Shi
Yikao Hu
Xiaolin Bai
Xun Liao
Isolation and Characterization of Earthworm Peptides with Neuroprotective Effects in Parkinson’s Disease Models
Molecules
earthworm
neuroprotection
PINK1 agonistic activity
<i>PINK1<sup>B9</sup></i> flies
anti-Parkinson’s disease
title Isolation and Characterization of Earthworm Peptides with Neuroprotective Effects in Parkinson’s Disease Models
title_full Isolation and Characterization of Earthworm Peptides with Neuroprotective Effects in Parkinson’s Disease Models
title_fullStr Isolation and Characterization of Earthworm Peptides with Neuroprotective Effects in Parkinson’s Disease Models
title_full_unstemmed Isolation and Characterization of Earthworm Peptides with Neuroprotective Effects in Parkinson’s Disease Models
title_short Isolation and Characterization of Earthworm Peptides with Neuroprotective Effects in Parkinson’s Disease Models
title_sort isolation and characterization of earthworm peptides with neuroprotective effects in parkinson s disease models
topic earthworm
neuroprotection
PINK1 agonistic activity
<i>PINK1<sup>B9</sup></i> flies
anti-Parkinson’s disease
url https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/9/1952
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AT yikaohu isolationandcharacterizationofearthwormpeptideswithneuroprotectiveeffectsinparkinsonsdiseasemodels
AT xiaolinbai isolationandcharacterizationofearthwormpeptideswithneuroprotectiveeffectsinparkinsonsdiseasemodels
AT xunliao isolationandcharacterizationofearthwormpeptideswithneuroprotectiveeffectsinparkinsonsdiseasemodels