Characterisation of the paradigms used to assess IRAP inhibitors as novel cognitive enhancing agents

There are few effective cognitive enhancing agents available. Insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP, a protein in the brain) is an attractive target and IRAP inhibitors have already been shown to improve memory, however the mechanism remains unknown. This work showed that these inhibitors not only rescue deficits in memory, but also are able to improve normal memory and they achieve this by increasing the connections between neurons (brain cells). Further, they increase the glucose (sugar) uptake of neurons, which allows them to function more efficiently. Finally, preliminary work suggests they may be a potential therapeutic for Alzheimer’s disease.