Therapeutic potential of pregnenolone and pregnenolone methyl ether on depressive and CDKL5 deficiency disorders: Focus on microtubule targeting.

ABSTRACT: Pregnenolone methyl-ether (PME) is a synthetic derivative of the endogenous neuroactive steroid pregnenolone (PREG), which is an important modulator of several brain functions. In addition to being the precursor of steroids, PREG acts directly on various targets including microtubules (MTs), the functioning of which is fundamental for the development and homeostasis of nervous system. The coordination of MT dynamics is supported by a plethora of MT-associated proteins (MAPs) and by a specific MT code that is defined by the post-translational modifications of tubulin. Defects associated with MAPs or tubulin post-translational modifications are linked to different neurological pathologies including mood and neurodevelopmental disorders. In this review, we describe the beneficial effect of PM

SUBMITTER: Barbiero I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9286658 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature