Agrin and neuregulin, expanding roles and implications for therapeutics.

Abstract

Agrin and neuregulin are broadly expressed molecules that have significant developmental roles. Here we review the diverse temporal and spatial expression patterns and functions of these molecules and the impact that dysregulation may have on a number of disease states. Many know agrin as a modulator of synaptogenesis and the neuregulins for their prominent role in breast cancer; this review elaborates on many of the other proposed functions for these molecules both in the nervous system and elsewhere. In several instances we discuss the possible use of agrin, neuregulin and related molecules as therapeutic agents.

• Authors: Stacey Williams, Colleen Ryan, Christian Jacobson
• Journal: Biotechnology advances (Biotechnol Adv) 2008 May-Jun Vol. 26 Issue 3 Pg. 187-201 ISSN: 0734-9750 [Print] England
• PMID: 18222620 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Agrin
• Neuregulins

Topics

• Agrin (metabolism, therapeutic use)
• Animals
• Heart Failure (drug therapy, pathology)
• Humans
• Models, Biological
• Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne (drug therapy, pathology)
• Neoplasms (drug therapy, genetics, pathology)
• Neuregulins (genetics, metabolism, therapeutic use)