Cross-scale targeted remodeling of neurovascular and neurometabolic coupling in Alzheimer’s disease by natural self-assembled SIRT1 activator

Abstract

Chronic neuromicrovascular dysfunction and its induced multifaceted neuropathology involving the interaction of cellular differential pathogenic mechanisms pose challenges to the precise treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here we report the development of an ellagic acid-derived self-assembled micellar SIRT1 activator (REn) that enables cross-scale targeted remodeling of neurovascular and neurometabolic coupling in AD. Efficient transcytosis of the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts by modified peptides allows for programmed delivery of REn to cerebral microvessels and parenchymal neurons. The resulting SIRT1 cascade activation enhances endothelial nitric oxide signaling-mediated cerebral blood flow and the blood-brain barrier integrity, while promoting neuronal mitochondrial biogenesis and glucose metabolic patterns toward oxidative phosphorylation. This multipronged remodeling strategy achieves a cooperative normalization of brain energy supply and β-amyloid clearance in AD mice, showing profound improvement in cognitive impairment. This work provides an advanced pharmacological option for cross-scale targeted treatment of neurodegenerative diseases associated with neurovascular dysfunction.