davunetide and Brain-Ischemia

An 8-amino-acid peptide, NAPVSIPQ (NAP), was identified as the smallest active element of activity-dependent neuroprotective protein that exhibits potent neuroprotective action. Potential signal transduction pathways include cGMP production and interference with inflammatory mechanisms, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and MAC1-related changes. Because of its intrinsic structure, NAP might interact with extracellular proteins and also transverse membranes. NAP-associated protection against oxidative stress, glucose deprivation, and apoptotic mechanisms suggests interference with fundamental processes. This paper identifies p53, a key regulator of cellular apoptosis, as an intracellular target for NAP's activity.

Topics: Alzheimer Disease; Animals; Apoptosis; Brain; Brain Ischemia; Cyclic GMP; Down-Regulation; Encephalitis; Macrophage-1 Antigen; Neuroprotective Agents; Oligopeptides; Oxidative Stress; PC12 Cells; Rats; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53