[Aging and homeostasis. Development of novel AdipoR-targeted drugs with exercise-mimicking and anti-aging properties.]

We have so far clarified that adiponectin, an adipocyte-secreted physiologically active substance, is decreased with the onset of obesity and that lifestyle-related diseases are primarily accounted for by the systemically decreased action of adiponectin/adiponectin receptors(AdipoRs). The activation of adiponectin/AdipoR has caloric restrictive and exercise-mimicking effects thus prolonging lifespan. We were the first in the world to succeed in identifying small-molecule compounds that serve as seed compounds for candidate AdipoR-activating drugs. Moreover, we have also reported the crystal structures of AdipoRs. It is hoped that these milestones will accelerate our efforts at AdipoR structure-based drug discovery leading to the development of novel AdipoR-targeted anti-diabetic drugs with promising life-prolonging properties.