Topics

A research group led by Professor Masanobu Kano of Advanced Comprehensive Research Organization has revealed the mechanism by which high-calorie diets impair cognitive function.

On September 15, 2026 (Tuesday), a research group led by Professor Masanobu Kano of Advanced Comprehensive Research Organization revealed that a high-calorie diet leads to a decrease in PQBP1 expression, which in turn causes abnormalities in the constituent molecules of synapses connecting brain nerve cells, resulting in a decline in the function of neural circuits.

This study, which uses mice, has shown that some of the potential treatments identified are already commercially available diabetes medications. Therefore, it is expected that the potential for human application of these related drugs will be investigated. Furthermore, it suggests that regulating the amount of PQBP1 may lead to the development of new preventive and therapeutic methods for overeating, obesity, and cognitive decline associated with diabetes.

The results of this research were published in the journal "Molecular Psychiatry" on Saturday, September 12, 2026 (local time).

The press release is available here.
Click here for information about Professor Kano.

To the topic List