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Current Medicinal Chemistry

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 0929-8673
ISSN (Online): 1875-533X

Review Article

Neurochemical Markers in the Mammalian Brain: Structure, Roles in Synaptic Communication, and Pharmacological Relevance

Author(s): Christopher L. Rees , Charise M. White and Giorgio A. Ascoli*

Volume 24, Issue 28, 2017

Page: [3077 - 3103] Pages: 27

DOI: 10.2174/0929867324666170414163506

Price: $65

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Abstract

Background: Knowledge of molecular marker (typically protein or mRNA) expression in neural systems can provide insight to the chemical blueprint of signal processing and transmission, assist in tracking developmental or pathological progressions, and yield key information regarding potential medicinal targets. These markers are particularly relevant in the mammalian brain in the light of its unsurpassed cellular diversity. Accordingly, molecular expression profiling is rapidly becoming a major approach to classify neuron types. Despite a profusion of research, however, the biological functions of molecular markers commonly used to distinguish neuron types remain incompletely understood. Furthermore, most molecular markers of mammalian neuron types are also present in other organs, therefore complicating considerations of their potential pharmacological interactions.

Objective: Here, we survey 15 prominent neurochemical markers from five categories, namely membrane transporters, calcium-binding proteins, neuropeptides, receptors, and extracellular matrix proteins, explaining their relation and relevance to synaptic communication.

Method: For each marker, we summarize fundamental structural features, cellular functionality, distributions within and outside the brain, as well as known drug effectors and mechanisms of action.

Conclusion: This essential primer thus links together the cellular complexity of the brain, the chemical properties of key molecular players in neurotransmission, and possible biomedical opportunities.

Keywords: Molecular markers, membrane transporters, calcium-binding proteins, neuropeptides, receptors, extracellular matrix proteins, neuron types, drug effectors.


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