Cyclic-Glycine-Proline (cGP) is a molecule that our body produces by itself and is a key player in regulating the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). It works by supporting normal IGF-1 function which is crucial for brain development, cognitive function, energy metabolism, and wound healing, by maintaining cerebral and systemic vascular remodelling and function.

When IGF-1 function is insufficient the body demands more cGP. With age, IGF-1 levels naturally decline, which in turn increases the need and production of cGP. Without optimal cGP levels, IGF-1 can no longer operate at its full potential, resulting in low or deficient levels of IGF-1 which have been implicated in neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Synthetic cGP and cGP-related peptides have been used for the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders. However, pharmaceutical development of novel therapeutics is time consuming, costly and comes with unbearable side effects. Human bodies recognise synthetic compounds as foreign substances and often reject them.

Increasing cGP levels by supplementing, using natural-food sources that are high in cGP, offers the opportunity to maintain normal IGF-1 function, which can help in slowing the progression of these neurodegenerative disorders thereby supporting overall quality of life.

Key Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the unique pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of natural cGP

2. Understand cGP’s role in maintaining the function of IGF-1

3. Understand the role of cGP in neurological conditions and small vessel diseases

Bio:

MD-PhD

Dr Jian Guan completed her Bachelor of Medicine in 1982. After 8 years of practice as a Paediatrician she obtained a PhD in Paediatrics at the University of Auckland, New Zealand in 1996.

Dr Guan is currently an Honorary Associate Professor affiliated with the Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences (University of Auckland), Jian is also the Chief Scientist of The cGP Lab Ltd.

Through more than 30 years of research at the University of Auckland, she has pioneered pharmaceutical and nutraceutical development for improving brain function. With a clinical background, her research has been largely focused on the pharmaceutical developments of IGF-1 derived small peptides for neurological conditions.

The discovery of natural cGP, an IGF-1 derived small peptide from foods led to nutraceutical development of an oral cGP supplement for supporting brain health and function. Her most recent work seeks to understand systemic small vessel diseases, for example the complications of type-2 diabetes.

Dr Guan has published 80 papers (H-index 34), is an inventor of 13 published patents and has broad national and international collaboration.