3BDO is a cell-permeable, orally bioavailable, non-toxic butyrolactone derivative that is shown to competitively bind FKBP1A (FK506-binding protein 1A, 12 kDa) in a reversible manner, and suppress autophagy via the mTOR pathway. 3BDO inhibits both LPS- and oxLDL-induced autophagy in HUVECs, increases TIA1 phosphorylation, and reduces autophagosomes number. It is reported to be brain permeant, and significantly decreases atherosclerosis development in apoE-/-mice (100 mg/kg, q.d., p.o.). 3BDO increases IDE and neprilysin levels, lowers amyloid-β deposition in an AβPP/PS1 transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer′s disease, and alleviates memory deficits.
