Microtubules, schizophrenia and cognitive behavior: Preclinical development of davunetide (NAP) as a peptide-drug candidate

Illana Gozes*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

NAP (davunetide) is an active fragment of activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP). ADNP and the homologous protein ADNP2 provide cell protection. ADNP is essential for brain formation, proper development and neuronal plasticity, all reported to be impaired in schizophrenia. ADNP haploinsufficiecy inhibits social and cognitive functions, major hallmarks in schizophrenia. Imbalance in ADNP/ADNP2 expression in the schizophrenia brain may impact disease progression. NAP treatment partly ameliorates ADNP haploinsufficiecy. The microtubule, stable tubule-only polypeptide (STOP)-deficient mice were shown to provide a reliable model for schizophrenia. Daily intranasal NAP treatment significantly decreased hyperactivity in STOP-deficient mice and protected visual memory, supporting further clinical development.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)428-431
Number of pages4
JournalPeptides
Volume32
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2011

Keywords

  • ADNP2
  • Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP)
  • Hyperactivity
  • NAP (davunetide)
  • Schizophrenia
  • Stable tubule-only polypeptide (STOP)
  • Tau
  • Visual memory

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