[Calcitonin gene-related peptide: a key player neuropeptide in migraine]

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a multifunctional neuropeptide produced as a consequence of alternative RNA processing of the calcitonin gene. CGRP is widely distributed in the nervous system, particularly at anatomical areas thought to be involved with migraine pathophysiology, including the trigeminovascular nociceptive system. Over the past two decades, a convergence of basic and clinical evidence has established the CGRP as a key player in migraine. CGRP enhances sensitivity to sensory input at multiple levels in both the periphery and central nervous system. Within the brain, the wide distribution of CGRP and CGRP receptors provides numerous possible targets for CGRP to act as a neuromodulator. Now, CGRP has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for a number of novel treatments for migraine. This review discusses the evidence behind the role of CGRP in migraine and the state of CGRP-based mechanism treatment development.