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Carbonic Anhydrase Activators for Neurodegeneration: An Overview
Valeria Poggetti1, Silvia Salerno1, Emma Baglini1
1Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 23, 2022
Summary
Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) activators, though understudied, show promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases by aiding neuronal signaling. This review explores their potential therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are vital metalloenzymes regulating pH and fluid balance.
- CA inhibitors are established therapeutics; however, CA activators are less explored.
- CA activation is implicated in neuronal signaling and cognitive functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on carbonic anhydrase activators.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of CA activators for neurodegeneration-related diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of primary research on CA activators.
- Analysis of studies investigating CA activation in neurological processes.
Main Results:
- CA activators may act as proton shuttles in the CA catalytic cycle.
- Emerging evidence links CA activation to improved neuronal signal transmission.
- Compounds activating CAs are identified as potential neuroprotective agents.
Conclusions:
- CA activators represent a promising, yet underexplored, therapeutic avenue for neurodegenerative conditions.
- Further research into CA activators could yield novel treatments for Alzheimer's disease and cognitive impairments.
Keywords:
basic moietycarbonic anhydrase activatorscognition enhancementneurodegenerative diseasesproton transfersmall moleculesMore Related Videos
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