The cytoskeleton as a drug target for neuroprotection: The case of the autism-mutated ADNP

Fifteen years ago we discovered activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP), and showed that it is essential for brain formation/function. Our protein interaction studies identified ADNP as a member of the chromatin remodeling complex, SWI/SNF also associated with alternative splicing of tau and prediction of tauopathy. Recently, we have identified cytoplasmic ADNP interactions with the autophagy regulating microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and with microtubule end-binding (EB) proteins. The ADNP-EB-binding SIP domain is shared with the ADNP snippet drug candidate, NAPVSIPQ termed NAP (davunetide). Thus, we identified a precise target for ADNP/NAP (davunetide) neuroprotection toward improved drug development.