Identification of KHS-101 as a Transcription Factor EB Activator to Promote α-Synuclein Degradation

TL;DR

This paper identifies KHS-101 as a compound that activates TFEB, enhancing lysosomal function and reducing harmful α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease models.

Contribution

KHS-101 is newly identified as a TFEB activator that promotes α-synuclein degradation in Parkinson's disease.

Findings

KHS-101 promotes TFEB nuclear translocation and enhances lysosomal biogenesis.

KHS-101 accelerates degradation of A53T mutant α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease models.

Abstract

Neurodegenerative disorders are increasingly linked to a progressive decline in lysosomal function. Activating Transcription Factor EB (TFEB), a master regulator of lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy, has therefore emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy to enhance cellular clearance in these conditions. In this study, we identified KHS-101 as a novel TFEB activator through a high-throughput screen of blood–brain-barrier-permeable small molecules. We demonstrated that KHS-101 promotes TFEB nuclear translocation, enhances lysosomal biogenesis and proteolytic activity, and increases autophagic flux. Furthermore, KHS-101 significantly accelerates the degradation of pathogenic A53T mutant α-synuclein in a cellular model of Parkinson’s disease, suggesting its potential to mitigate α-synuclein-mediated proteotoxicity and hold neuroprotective potential. Our findings identify KHS-101 as a potent TFEB activator and highlight the therapeutic potential of modulating the autophagy-lysosomal pathway for treating Parkinson’s disease and related disorders.

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