Adenosine Kinase - Cardioprotective and Neuroprotective Roles of AdK

Cardioprotective and Neuroprotective Roles of AdK

AdK plays a central role in controlling the cellular levels of Ado, which via its interaction with adenosine receptors in mammalian tissues produces a broad range of physiological responses including potent cardioprotective and neuroprotective activities. The overexpression of AdK in the brain, which leads to decreased Ado levels and loss of inhibition of neuronal excitability in astrocytes, has been proposed as the main underlying cause of progression of epilepsy. Hence, the modulation of AdK by external means provides an important strategy for harnessing its potential therapeutic benefits. As such, there is much interest in developing specific inhibitors of AdK. Many AdK inhibitors, some of which show useful analgesic, anti-seizure, and anti-inflammatory properties in animal models have been described.