Metadichol® induced expression of neuronal transcription factors with Human fibroblast Dermal cells

Abstract Background. Producing neurons from fibroblast cells has the potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by neuron loss. Neurodegenerative diseases are a growing problem in the current aging, developed world populations. Metadichol® is a nontoxic nanoemulsion of long-chain lipid alcohols, currently available as an oral supplement. Methods and Findings. In this study, Metadichol® was used to treat human fibroblasts in vitro; we subsequently evaluated changes in the expression of neuronal transcription factors by qRT-PCR and immunoblotting. We observed increased expression of critical transcription factors for neuronal development, such as ASCL1, NGN2. ND2, NR4A2, LMX1A, LHX3. ISL1, and FOXA2. Conclusions. These data suggest that Metadichol® is a promising putative neuronal remodeling agent. Its current availability and safety profile suggest that it could be rapidly available for in vivo testing, impossible thus far.