Neurotransmitter CART as a new therapeutic candidate for Parkinson's disease

Peizhong Mao, Charles K. Meshul, Philippe Thuillier, P. Hemachandra Reddy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. To date, there is no effective treatment that halts its progression. Increasing evidence indicates that mitochondria play an important role in the development of PD. Hence mitochondria-targeted approaches or agents may have therapeutic promise for treatment of the disease. Neuropeptide CART (cocaine-amphetamine-regulated transcript), a hypothalamus and midbrain enriched neurotransmitter with an antioxidant property, can be found in mitochondria, which is the main source of reactive oxygen species. Systemic administration of CART has been found to ameliorate dopaminergic neuronal loss and improve motor functions in a mouse model of PD. In this article, we summarize recent progress in studies investigating the relationship between CART, dopamine, and the pathophysiology of PD, with a focus on mitochondria-related topics.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)108-123
Number of pages16
JournalPharmaceuticals
Volume6
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 18 2013

Keywords

  • Antioxidant
  • Cocaine- and amphetamine- regulated transcript
  • Dopamine
  • Mitochondria
  • Neuroprotection
  • Oxidative stress

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Pharmaceutical Science

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