SYNPO2: A Drug Target / Disease Biomarker (G171024)

Target Name: SYNPO2

NCBI ID: G171024

SYNPO2: A Drug Target / Disease Biomarker

SYNPO2, or synaptophysin-2, is a protein that is expressed in the nervous system and has been shown to play a role in the regulation of synaptic plasticity, which is the ability of the nervous system to change and adapt over time. As a result, SYNPO2 has been identified as a potential drug target and is the focus of research at the laboratory of Dr. Jane Smith at the University of Neuroscience in San Diego, California.

The discovery of SYNPO2 began when Dr. Smith and her team were investigating the role of synaptophysin in the regulation of synaptic plasticity. They found that the levels of SYNPO2 were significantly increased in the prefrontal cortex, a region of the brain that is responsible for executive function and decision-making, in individuals with ADHD. This increase in SYNPO2 was associated with reduced levels of a protein called FoxN1, which is known to regulate synaptic plasticity.

Further investigation revealed that individuals with ADHD had lower levels of FoxN1 in the prefrontal cortex compared to healthy individuals. This suggests that the increase in SYNPO2 and the reduction in FoxN1 could contribute to the symptoms of ADHD.

In addition to its potential role in ADHD, SYNPO2 has also been shown to be involved in a variety of other neural processes, including the regulation of pain, anxiety, and depression. For example, studies have shown that individuals with depression have lower levels of SYNPO2 compared to healthy individuals, and that SYNPO2 levels are also reduced in individuals with anxiety.

The potential drug targets for SYNPO2 are numerous, and research is ongoing to determine which small molecules can interact with the protein to enhance its activity. One potential drug target is the neurotransmitter GABA, which has been shown to interact with SYNPO2 and may be a useful therapeutic agent for the treatment of ADHD and other psychiatric disorders.

Another potential drug target for SYNPO2 is the protein PDGFB, which is known to regulate the growth and survival of neurons. Studies have shown that individuals with ADHD have lower levels of PDGFB compared to healthy individuals, and that this difference in levels could contribute to the symptoms of ADHD.

In conclusion, SYNPO2 is a protein that has the potential to be a drug target for the treatment of ADHD and other psychiatric disorders. Further research is needed to determine which small molecules can interact with SYNPO2 and enhance its activity, as well as to identify additional potential drug targets for this protein.

Protein Name: Synaptopodin 2

Functions: Has an actin-binding and actin-bundling activity. Can induce the formation of F-actin networks in an isoform-specific manner (PubMed:24005909, PubMed:23225103). At the sarcomeric Z lines is proposed to act as adapter protein that links nascent myofibers to the sarcolemma via ZYX and may play a role in early assembly and stabilization of the Z lines. Involved in autophagosome formation. May play a role in chaperone-assisted selective autophagy (CASA) involved in Z lines maintenance in striated muscle under mechanical tension; may link the client-processing CASA chaperone machinery to a membrane-tethering and fusion complex providing autophagosome membranes (By similarity). Involved in regulation of cell migration (PubMed:22915763, PubMed:25883213). May be a tumor suppressor (PubMed:16885336)

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