Molecular partners of Cortexin in the brain

Abstract

Cortexin, a drug that contains a hydrolysate of brain peptides, has long been used in clinics; however, the mechanisms of its action remain obscure. We attempted to identify the brain proteins that interact with peptides of Cortexin using affinity chromatography. The spectrum of proteins that bound with Cortexin peptides was different in liver and brain homogenates. Four brain proteins that interact with peptides of Cortexin have been identified: three brain-specific proteins, viz., tubulin β5, creatine kinase B-type, and 14-3-3 α/β, as well as the cytoskeletal protein actin, which is abundant in many tissues. These proteins may be molecular targets for Cortexin peptides and be responsible for the neuroprotective effects of the drug.