Kidney and brain protein (KIBRA) (KIBRA)

Kidney and brain protein (KIBRA), encoded by the WWC1 gene, is a postsynaptic scaffolding protein primarily expressed in the brain and kidneys. In the central nervous system, KIBRA plays a critical role in regulating synaptic plasticity and memory by stabilizing protein kinase Mzeta (PKMζ) and facilitating the trafficking of AMPA receptors to the postsynaptic membrane. Recent research has identified KIBRA as a novel target for synapse repair in Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies, where its levels are significantly depleted in the brain but elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid. Therapeutic strategies focusing on restoring KIBRA signaling, such as the use of truncated CT-KIBRA peptides, have shown promise in reversing cognitive deficits and restoring synaptic function in animal models of neurodegeneration. Unlike many current Alzheimer's therapies that target amyloid or tau accumulation, KIBRA-based approaches aim to directly repair the synaptic damage that underlies memory loss.

Other names

WWC1Kidney and brain proteinKIBRAHBeAg-binding protein 3WWC domain-containing protein 1

Stabilization of PKMζ to promote postsynaptic AMPAR trafficking and restore synaptic plasticity