The neuroprotective role of PEDF: implication for the therapy of neurological disorders.
Neuronal degeneration is closely associated with cognitive, motor and visual dysfunctions. Neuroprotective strategies have been investigated with the view to being employed as potential therapy for patients with these disabilities. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a 50-kDa secreted glycoprotein and a non-inhibitory member of the serine protease inhibitor (SERPIN) gene family. PEDF is detected in a broad range of human tissues, including almost all brain areas, and has been shown to have strong neuroprotective properties for various types of neurons including cerebellar granule neurons, hippocampal neurons, striatal neurons, retinal neurons and spinal cord motor neurons. These observations raise the possibility that application of PEDF may be helpful in designing new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease and brain ischemia.
Kitasato Institute for Life Sciences, Kitasato University, Tokyo, Japan. tyabe@lisci.kitasato-u.ac.jp
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D000818:Animals; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005136:Eye Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009420:Nervous System / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000187:drug effects; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000187:drug effects; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011480:Protease Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015843:Serpins / Q000235:genetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D000099174:Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor
D005136:Eye Proteins; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D011480:Protease Inhibitors; D015843:Serpins; D000099174:Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor