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Caspases

Caspase, a family of cysteine proteases, serve as effectors in apoptosis. The ced3 gene in C.elegans was first identified to be involved in apoptosis. This gene encodes the ced-3 caspase that is similar to the interleukin-1-beta converting enzyme or ICE in mammals. In addition to apoptosis, caspases also function in the inflammatory response. Inflammatory caspases are essential in activating pro-inflammatory cytokines that recruit immune cells and block the replication of pathogens inside cells.
Functions of the Nervous System01:18

Functions of the Nervous System

The nervous system is responsible for coordinating and regulating the body's functions. It functions through three main processes: sensory, integrative, and motor processes. Sensory function involves the detection and transmission of information about internal and external stimuli from sensory receptors to the CNS. The CNS processes this information through an integrative function, where it interprets and makes decisions based on the incoming sensory information. Finally, the motor function...
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Cortistatin--functions in the central nervous system.

Luis de Lecea1

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA. llecea@stanford.edu

Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
|April 1, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Cortistatin (CST), a neuropeptide, influences brain activity, sleep, and memory. It also plays a role in immunity and inflammation, distinct from somatostatin (SRIF).

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Neuropeptide Research
  • Brain Function

Background:

  • Cortistatin (CST) is a neuropeptide related to somatostatin (SRIF) and urotensin (UII).
  • It is primarily expressed in the cortex and can decrease cortical activity.
  • Discovered a decade ago, CST shares properties with SRIF but has unique functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the fundamental properties of Cortistatin (CST) in the brain.
  • To discuss emerging data on CST's role in cortical activity.
  • To explore CST's involvement in sleep, memory, immunity, and inflammation.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro assays to assess CST binding to somatostatin receptors.
  • Pharmacological and functional comparisons between CST and SRIF.

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  • Review of existing literature on CST's physiological effects.

    • Main Results:

    • CST binds to all five cloned somatostatin receptors.
    • CST induces slow-wave sleep and reduces locomotor activity.
    • CST activates cation currents distinct from somatostatin's effects.
    • Evidence suggests CST involvement in learning, memory, and anticonvulsant activity.
    • CST is recognized as a mediator of immunity and inflammation.

    Conclusions:

    • Cortistatin (CST) exhibits unique functions beyond those of somatostatin (SRIF).
    • CST plays a significant role in regulating cortical activity, sleep-wake cycles, and cognitive processes.
    • CST is an important factor in immune and inflammatory responses.