Conjugation with the XJB peptide enhanced neuroprotective effect of honokiol via SIRT3 modulation

Mitochondria play a crucial role in cellular processes such as growth, differentiation, and energy conversion. Dysfunctional mitochondria have been implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD), making mitochondrial improvement a promising therapeutic approach. SIRT3, a mitochondrial deacetylase, modulates mitochondrial function by deacetylating associated proteins. This study aimed to enhance the activity of honokiol, a natural SIRT3 modulator, and improve mitochondrial function for neuroprotective activity, using mitochondria targeting strategy. We synthesized mitochondrial targeting peptide conjugates using XJB as a carrier and found that honokiol conjugates exhibited lower toxicity and higher activity on neuronal injury models in vitro and i n vivo ( Zebrafish model) at lower concentrations compared to honokiol. The neuroprotective mechanism may involve the activation of cellular autophagy-related pathways, promotion of SIRT3 pathway activation, and up-regulation of mitochondrial fusion-associated protein Mfn-1 expression under damaged conditions. This study offers a promising approach for developing anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) natural product derivatives based on SIRT3 regulation.