Cholinergic bioactives from cereals

Cholinergic compounds can act as both pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds in functional foods. Alpha-Glycerylphosphoryl choline (alpha-GPC) is a known cholinergic compound that is used in Korea as a prescription pharmaceutical for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. However, development as a functional food and related researches in Korea is limited. Recently, the team led by Dr. Martin Reaney has reported that cereal grains can be processed by enzyme treatments and fermentation to produce concentrates that are highly enriched in alpha-GPC. Our proposal is to produce an alcohol free concentrate beverage base that is rich in GPC in Canada. This will be used for testing of its in vitro efficacy in BV2 murine microglial cells using MTT assay. RNA and protein expressions of neuro-inflammatory factors and pathways will be measured by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. In the mouse model, behavioral experiments and acetylcholine content will be tested. Through this collaboration, home university member could learn how to demonstrate the functionality of alpha-GPC in Alzheimer’s disease, and host university members could explore ways to develop it as a functional food in Korea.

Faculty Supervisor:

Martin Reaney

Student:

Partner:

Korea University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Pharmaceuticals; Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Agriculture and Food

University:

University of Saskatchewan

Program: