Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein: from gene to drug candidate.
Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) is essential for brain formation. The gene encoding ADNP is highly conserved and abundantly expressed in the brain. ADNP contains a homeobox profile and a peptide motif providing neuroprotection against a variety of cytotoxic insults. ADNP mRNA and protein expression responds to brain injury and oscillates as a function of the estrus cycle. The plastic nature of ADNP expression is correlated with brain protection and an association between neuroendocrine regulation and neuroprotection is put forth with ADNP as a focal point. Further understanding of neuroprotective molecules should pave the path to better diagnostics and therapies. In this respect, structure-activity studies have identified a short 8 amino acid peptide in ADNP/NAPVSIPQ (NAP) that provides potent neuroprotection. NAP is currently in clinical development for neuroprotection.
Gozes
Illana
I
The Adams Super-Center for Brain Studies & Levi-Edersheim-Gitter fMRI Institute, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel. igozes@post.tau.ac.il
D000818:Animals; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D015195:Drug Design; D015870:Gene Expression; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009842:Oligopeptides / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051381:Rats; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
C492178:ADNP protein, human; C117632:Adnp protein, mouse; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D009842:Oligopeptides; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide; C425904:davunetide