title: FKBPs and their role in neuronal signaling.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ligands for FK506-binding proteins, also referred to as neuroimmunophilin ligands, have repeatedly been described as neuritotrophic, neuroprotective or neuroregenerative agents. However, the precise molecular mechanism of action underlying the observed effects has remained elusive, which eventually led to a reduced interest in FKBP ligand development.
  
  
  METHODS
  A survey is presented on the pharmacology of neuroimmunophilin ligands, of the current understanding of individual FKBP homologs in neuronal processes and an assessment of their potential as drug targets for CNS disorders.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  FKBP51 is the major target accounting for the neuritotrophic effect of neuroimmunophilin ligands. Selectivity against the homolog FKBP52 is essential for optimal neuritotrophic efficacy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Selectivity within the FKBP family, in particular selective inhibition of FKBP12 or FKBP51, is possible. FKBP51 is a pharmacologically tractable target for stress-related disorders. The role of FKBPs in neurodegeneration remains to be clarified. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Proline-directed Foldases: Cell Signaling Catalysts and Drug Targets.
authors.affiliation: Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany. Electronic address: hausch@mpipsykl.mpg.de.
authors.forename: Felix
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hausch
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D022061:Tacrolimus Binding Protein 1A / Q000378:metabolism*; D022021:Tacrolimus Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D000099159:Tacrolimus Binding Protein 5
chemical_list: D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D022061:Tacrolimus Binding Protein 1A; D022021:Tacrolimus Binding Proteins; D000099159:Tacrolimus Binding Protein 5; C403485:tacrolimus binding protein 4
keywords: FK506; FKBP51; Neurite outgrowth; Neuroimmunophilin; Stress-related disorders