The kynurenine pathway and the brain: challenges, controversies and promises

Schwarcz, R. and Stone, T. W. (2017) The kynurenine pathway and the brain: challenges, controversies and promises. Neuropharmacology, 112(part B), pp. 237-247. (doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.08.003) (PMID:27511838) (PMCID:PMC5803785)

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Abstract

Research on the neurobiology of the kynurenine pathway has suffered years of relative obscurity because tryptophan degradation, and its involvement in both physiology and major brain diseases, was viewed almost exclusively through the lens of the well-established metabolite serotonin. With increasing recognition that kynurenine and its metabolites can affect and even control a variety of classic neurotransmitter systems directly and indirectly, interest is expanding rapidly. Moreover, kynurenine pathway metabolism itself is modulated in conditions such as infection and stress, which are known to induce major changes in well-being and behaviour, so that kynurenines may be instrumental in the etiology of psychiatric and neurological disorders. It is therefore likely that the near future will not only witness the discovery of additional physiological and pathological roles for brain kynurenines, but also ever-increasing interest in drug development based on these roles. In particular, targeting the kynurenine pathway with new specific agents may make it possible to prevent disease by appropriate pharmacological or genetic manipulations. The following overview focuses on areas of kynurenine research which are either controversial, of major potential therapeutic interest, or just beginning to receive the degree of attention which will clarify their relevance to neurobiology and medicine. It also highlights technical issues so that investigators entering the field, and new research initiatives, are not misdirected by inappropriate experimental approaches or incorrect interpretations at this time of skyrocketing interest in the subject matter.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:Invited review.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Stone, Professor Trevor
Authors: Schwarcz, R., and Stone, T. W.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
Journal Name:Neuropharmacology
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0028-3908
ISSN (Online):1873-7064
Published Online:07 August 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 Elsevier
First Published:First published in Neuopharmacology 112(part B):237-247
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
554901Defining the role of kynurenine pathway metabolites in the inflammatory response to trypanosome invasion of the CNSPeter KennedyWellcome Trust (WELLCOME)094691/Z/10/ZIII - PARASITOLOGY