Citation

Lin LF, Rubin LL, Xu M. 2004. A non-peptidyl neurotrophic small molecule for midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Journal of neurochemistry. 89(6):1387-95. Pubmed: 15189341

Abstract

Abstract A small organic molecule (CUR-162590) that selectively enhances survival of midbrain dopaminergic neurons was identified by screening small molecule compound libraries. In embryonic midbrain cultures, CUR-162590 increased dopamine uptake and the number of dopaminergic neurons without altering the number of total neurons or astroglia or the uptake of GABA or serotonin. CUR-162590 reduced apoptosis of cultured dopaminergic neurons and protected against death induced by toxins such as MPP(+). Several synthetic analogs of CUR-162590 also had similar bioactivities. CUR-162590 thus represents a new class of neurotrophic small molecules that may have utility in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, which is marked by degeneration of midbrain dopaminergic neurons.

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Lee Rubin investigates the key molecular mediators of a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, with the ultimate goal of finding effective preclinical therapeutic candidates.

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