Research
A multifactorial approach gene therapy for Alzheimer's disease
Our gene therapy is based on E2F4, a promising approach for a disease affecting 50 million people worldwide, with no effective treatment
Tetraneuron is a Spanish biotechnology company focused on gene therapy for brain and neurodegenerative diseases
Headquartered in Madrid and Valencia, Tetraneuron emerges as a spin-off from the Cajal Institute, affiliated with the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)
Committed to scientific excellence and ethics throughout every stage of the process
The science behind our therapy
- Tetraneuron, a pioneer in innovative therapies, has developed a groundbreaking strategy focused on E2F4DN, a patented molecule that mimics the functions of E2F4. What makes this molecule so crucial? E2F4 is a transcription factor that plays a pivotal role in multiple specific networks in humans, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases.
- This innovative approach centers on a deep comprehension of neuronal physiology and cellular quiescence, offering solutions for a broad range of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Studies carried out by the Tetraneuron team have unveiled that, under certain pathological conditions, the protein E2F4 undergoes a phosphorylation process that disrupts its normal function. This is where our therapy, based on the neuronal expression of E2F4DN, a functional variant of E2F4, comes into play, aimed at restoring cellular function.
- At Tetraneuron, we are dedicated to bridging this innovative science from the lab to clinical practice, aiming to create a more hopeful future for patients impacted by neurodegenerative diseases.
Research areas
Tetraneuron’s research is centered around E2F4, a protein involved in regulating various brain pathways
TET-101, a multifactorial gene therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease
There is increasing evidence suggesting that, in addition to the accumulation of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau protein neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in neurons, Alzheimer’s Disease has a multifactorial cause. Various mechanisms, such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and reactivation of the cell cycle in neurons, seem to interact synergistically, collectively contributing to the progression of neurodegeneration. Tetraneuron introduces an innovative perspective in the fight against Alzheimer’s Disease. We are pioneers in using E2F4 as a therapeutic target, a key regulatory factor in various pathological pathways of the disease. Our gene therapy, TET-101, acts in a multifactorial manner by reversing neuropathology and enhancing cognitive function.Biomarker Research
Tetraneuron is investigating E2F4 phosphorylation during the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease, studying the presence of phosphorylated E2F4 in blood serum as an early indicator of this condition. This technology has been internationally patented.A scientifically Innovative approach based on E2F4
Our focus is on developing gene therapies for neurodegenerative diseases where E2F4 plays a pivotal role in regulating processes related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death. Our gene therapies aim to decelerate the progression of these disruptions by safeguarding brain cells.Research papers
A Mutant Variant of E2F4 Triggers Multifactorial Therapeutic Effects in 5xFAD Mice (2022)
E2F4 as a single multifactorial target against Alzheimer’s disease (2021)
E2F4-Based Gene Therapy Mitigates the Phenotype of the Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model 5xFAD (2021)
Pathological aspects of neuronal hyperploidization in Alzheimer’s disease evidenced by computer simulation (2020)
Cell cycle reentry triggers hyperploidization and synaptic dysfunction followed by delayed cell death in differentiated cortical neurons (2018)
Neuronal tetraploidization in the cerebral cortex correlates with reduced cognition in mice and precedes and recapitulates Alzheimer’s-associated neuropathology (2017)
Neuronal tetraploidy in Alzheimer and Aging (2017)
Nerve Growth Factor-Induced Cell Cycle Reentry in Newborn Neurons Is Triggered by p38MAPK-Dependent E2F4 Phosphorylation (2012)
Collaborations
We have close collaborations with prominent scientific institutions in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. These partnerships allow us to tap into a broad network of knowledge and resources to advance research and develop cutting-edge therapies.
R&D Projects
From the beginning, Tetraneuron has been engaged in several high-value-added research projects
Tetraneuron has been granted support by the Madrid regional Goverment for an Industrial Doctorate from 2023 to 2026
The project ‘E2F4DN as a gerotherapeutic agent for brain aging’ (GeroE2F4DN), funded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation within the scope of grants for projects in strategic lines, part of the state plan for scientific, technical, and innovation research 2021-2023, under the recovery, transformation, and resilience plan 2022, aims to evaluate E2F4DN as a gerotherapeutic agent
The project with file number IMIDTA/2022/77 entitled “Characterization of new tools for studying the efficacy of gene therapies against glaucoma,” with a total budget of €145,730, has received a grant of €65,578.50.
This initiative, focused on enhancing knowledge about this condition, marks a new path forward for Tetraneuron in the development of innovative gene therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
Tetraneuron has been granted support for the completion of an Industrial Doctorate under the project “Therapeutic Potential of E2F4DN in Alzheimer’s Disease: Analysis of its Neuroimmunomodulatory Effect”
Torres Quevedo Incorpora Grant for the recruitment of a researcher for the development of an industrial research project