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Pathak S, Nadar R, Kim S, Liu K, Govindarajulu M, Cook P, Watts Alexander CS, Dhanasekaran M, Moore T. The Influence of Kynurenine Metabolites on Neurodegenerative Pathologies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:853. [PMID: 38255925 PMCID: PMC10815839 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
As the kynurenine pathway's links to inflammation, the immune system, and neurological disorders became more apparent, it attracted more and more attention. It is the main pathway through which the liver breaks down Tryptophan and the initial step in the creation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) in mammals. Immune system activation and the buildup of potentially neurotoxic substances can result from the dysregulation or overactivation of this pathway. Therefore, it is not shocking that kynurenines have been linked to neurological conditions (Depression, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Huntington's Disease, Schizophrenia, and cognitive deficits) in relation to inflammation. Nevertheless, preclinical research has demonstrated that kynurenines are essential components of the behavioral analogs of depression and schizophrenia-like cognitive deficits in addition to mediators associated with neurological pathologies due to their neuromodulatory qualities. Neurodegenerative diseases have been extensively associated with neuroactive metabolites of the kynurenine pathway (KP) of tryptophan breakdown. In addition to being a necessary amino acid for protein synthesis, Tryptophan is also transformed into the important neurotransmitters tryptamine and serotonin in higher eukaryotes. In this article, a summary of the KP, its function in neurodegeneration, and the approaches being used currently to target the route therapeutically are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhrud Pathak
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Rishi Nadar
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Shannon Kim
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Keyi Liu
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Manoj Govindarajulu
- Blast-Induced Neurotrauma Branch, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Preston Cook
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | | | - Muralikrishnan Dhanasekaran
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Timothy Moore
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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