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Exercise mimetics: harnessing the therapeutic effects of physical activity

Nature Reviews Drug Discovery volume 20, pages 862–879 (2021)Cite this article

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Abstract

Exercise mimetics are a proposed class of therapeutics that specifically mimic or enhance the therapeutic effects of exercise. Increased physical activity has demonstrated positive effects in preventing and ameliorating a wide range of diseases, including brain disorders such as Alzheimer disease and dementia, cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This article discusses the molecular mechanisms and signalling pathways associated with the beneficial effects of physical activity, focusing on effects on brain function and cognitive enhancement. Emerging therapeutic targets and strategies for the development of exercise mimetics, particularly in the field of central nervous system disorders, as well as the associated opportunities and challenges, are discussed.

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Fig. 1: Exercise as the ultimate whole-body therapeutic.
Fig. 2: Molecular pathways and signalling systems implicated in the therapeutic effects of physical exercise on brain function and cognitive enhancement.
Fig. 3: A roadmap for the development of exercise mimetics.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank past and present members of the Hannan Laboratory for experimental data and discussions that have informed the ideas presented in this article. A.J.H. is a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Principal Research Fellow and is supported by Projects Grants and an Ideas Grant from the NHMRC and a Discovery Project Grant from the Australian Research Council, as well as the DHB Foundation, Equity Trustees.

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  1. Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia

    Carolina Gubert & Anthony J. Hannan

  2. Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia

    Anthony J. Hannan

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Gubert, C., Hannan, A.J. Exercise mimetics: harnessing the therapeutic effects of physical activity. Nat Rev Drug Discov 20, 862–879 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41573-021-00217-1

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