Endogenous kynurenines as targets for drug discovery and development.
The kynurenine pathway is the main pathway for tryptophan metabolism. It generates compounds that can modulate activity at glutamate receptors and possibly nicotinic receptors, in addition to some as-yet-unidentified sites. The pathway is in a unique position to regulate other aspects of the metabolism of tryptophan to neuroactive compounds, and also seems to be a key factor in the communication between the nervous and immune systems. It also has potentially important roles in the regulation of cell proliferation and tissue function in the periphery. As a result, the pathway presents a multitude of potential sites for drug discovery in neuroscience, oncology and visceral pathology.
Stone
Trevor W
TW
Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, West Medical Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK. T.W.Stone@bio.gla.ac.uk
Darlington
L Gail
LG
D000818:Animals; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D007736:Kynurenic Acid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D007737:Kynurenine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods*; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000378:metabolism
D007737:Kynurenine; D014364:Tryptophan; D007736:Kynurenic Acid