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Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) as a target for the development of drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders
Author(s) -
Klementiev B.,
Novikova T.,
Koehler L.,
Berezin V.,
Bock E.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of neurochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.75
H-Index - 229
eISSN - 1471-4159
pISSN - 0022-3042
DOI - 10.1046/j.1471-4159.85.s2.18_7.x
Subject(s) - neural cell adhesion molecule , neurite , agonist , receptor , neuroscience , neural development , fibronectin , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , in vitro , biology , cell adhesion , cell , biochemistry , gene
NCAM plays an essential role in neural development and regeneration. We have recently demonstrated a direct interaction between the fibronectin type III modules (F3) of NCAM and the extracellular part of the FGF receptor and also identified a binding site localized in the second F3 module. The corresponding peptide motif (FGL) activated the FGF receptor, promoted neuritogenesis and protected DA neurons in vitro . In a rat model of A‐beta (amyloid‐beta peptide) induced neurite toxicity, FGL rescued the deficit in learning and improved neuropathology. Thus, small artificial mimetics of NCAM with agonist‐like effects are attractive lead‐candidates for drug development for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.