A new agonist of the erythropoietin receptor, Epobis, induces neurite outgrowth and promotes neuronal survival

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2012.07751.x
• Publication Date: 2012-04-03T17:00:30Z
• Authors: Stanislava Pankra...; Bing Gu; Darya Kiryushko; Irina Korshunova; Lene B. Køhler; Mette Rathje; Elisabeth Bock; Vladimir Berezin
• Keywords: Neurite

Apart from its hematopoietic activity, erythropoietin (EPO) is also known as a tissue-protective cytokine. In the brain, EPO and receptor are up-regulated in response to insult exert pro-survival effects. binds (EPOR) via high- low-affinity binding sites (Sites 1 2, respectively), inducing conformational changes receptor, followed by activation of downstream signaling cascades. Based on crystal structure EPO:EPOR(2) complex, we designed peptide, termed Epobis, whose sequence encompassed amino acids Site 1. The present study shows that Epobis peptide specifically EPOR induces neurite outgrowth primary neurons an EPOR-expression dependent manner. Furthermore, promoted survival hippocampal cerebellar neuronal cultures after kainate treatment KCl deprivation, respectively. Thus, identified new functional agonist with potential promote neuroregeneration neuroprotection.