New Insights into Supporting Motor Function Through Neuromuscular Connectivity Citicoline Promotes Neuromuscular Junction Formation and Enhances Motor Neuron Synchrony

TOKYO, July 27, 2026 – Kirin Holdings Company, Limited (Kirin Holdings) conducted a study to investigate the effects of citicoline*1 on neuromuscular connectivity—a fundamental component of motor function—focusing on its impact on the neuromuscular junction (NMJ)*2 and the motor neuron activity.
This study showed that citicoline increased gene expression related to NMJ formation and acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clustering and improved motor neuron synchrony.
The results of this study were presented at “NUTRITION 2026”*3, held from July 25 to July 28, 2026.

*1 A compound known as a precursor to phosphatidylcholine, a component of neuronal cell membranes, and currently under investigation for its role in neural function. It is manufactured by Kyowa Hakko Bio, a Kirin Group company, and has been sold globally, primarily in Europe and the United States, since the early 1990s. It is used worldwide as an ingredient in supplements and non-alcoholic beverages that support brain function, as well as in pharmaceuticals.
*2 The junction between motor neurons and skeletal muscle fibers
*3 NUTRITION 2026 (https://nutrition.org/meeting/present-your-science/)

With the aging population and growing health consciousness, preventing age-related declines in motor function and maintaining quality of life (QOL) and physical performance have become important social issues. In recent years, a condition in which muscle strength declines despite maintained or increased muscle mass has been reported. This condition, known as “dynapenia,” is considered a major factor contributing to increased risk of falls and the need for long-term care. A decline in the functional coordination between motor neurons and muscles is considered one of the underlying causes of this phenomenon.

In this context, the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), which connects motor neurons to skeletal muscle fibers, plays a crucial role in muscle force generation and motor control. Maintaining optimal NMJ function is considered important for motor performance and is considered important not only in aging but also in athletic performance and resistance training.

In this study, we focused on the NMJ and evaluated the effects of citicoline, a compound reported to have neuroprotective properties, on NMJ formation. We established a neuromuscular cell model by co-culturing mouse myoblasts and motor neuron-like cells, and evaluated the effects of citicoline on gene expression related to NMJ formation and on AChR clustering. As the results, citicoline significantly increased the expression of genes involved in NMJ formation and promoted AChR clustering.

Furthermore, we investigated the effects of citicoline on neuronal activity using iPSC-derived motor neurons. Citicoline enhanced motor neuron synchrony. Such synchrony is considered one of the neural mechanisms involved in regulating muscle output and generating rapid force.

Taken together, these findings suggest that citicoline may support NMJ formation and enhance motor neuron synchrony, indicating a potential role in neuromuscular function and motor coordination.

About Kirin Holdings

Kirin Holdings Company, Limited is a global company operating across three core business domains spanning Alcoholic Beverages, Non-alcoholic Beverages & Health Science, and Pharmaceuticals. The company traces its roots to Japan Brewery, established in 1885, which later became Kirin Brewery in 1907. Since then, Kirin has expanded its business operations by leveraging fermentation and biotechnology as core strengths. The company entered the pharmaceutical field in the 1980s, which has since grown into a global business. In 2007, the company transitioned to a pure holding company structure as Kirin Holdings, and it is now strengthening its Non-alcoholic Beverages & Health Science domain.

Under its long-term vision “Innovate2035!Innovate2035!”, the Kirin Group is focused on creating value that encourage behavioral change among consumers and patients, creating new lifestyle habits in the areas of food and health. With a unique business portfolio spanning Alcoholic Beverages, Non-alcoholic Beverages & Health Science, and Pharmaceuticals, the Group will further expand group-wide initiatives that support both mental and physical well-being.
The Kirin Group will continue to advance innovation through the combined strength of its people and technology, creating both social and economic value as a global leader in CSV*, while pursuing sustainable, long-term growth in corporate value.

*Creating Shared Value: combined added value for consumers as well as for society at large.

GALLERY