Rotamase inhibitors for neurological diseases

Abstract

Following the observation that the macrolide FK506 is a potent promoter of neurite growth in vitro and in vivo, this activity was shown to depend on inhibition of cis-trans peptidyl prolyl isomerase (rotamase) activity in FK506 binding proteins. Rotamase inhibitors may therefore be of clinical use in various nervous system disorders as promoters of neurite growth. This article reviews five recent patents claiming novel rotamase inhibitors.

• FK506
• immunophilin
• neurodegeneration
• neurotrophic agent
• rotamase inhibitors