Tachykinergic System and Binding Molecules in Disease: Implication for Targeted Therapies

The neurokinin (NK) receptor family has been proposed as targets for neural-related diseases. The experimental studies indicate that this family of receptors might also be targets for malignancies, both solid and hematological tumors. However, an understanding of the biology of other molecules with sequence similarity to NK receptors is required. Of significance is the HGFIN gene that shares structural homology with NK1. Through this homology, the HGFIN interacts with the high affinity ligand of NK1, substance P. This report discusses potential applications for targets against NK receptors, and the role of HGFIN in drug designs. This review is relevant for central and peripheral nervous system drug development, and also cancer drugs for breast and neuroblastoma. The potential for leukemia drugs and Patents is also discussed.

Keywords: Bone marrow, neurokinin receptors, HGFIN, cytokines, neurotransmitters, tachykinins, hematopoiesis, nmb, substance P, neurokinin-A, preprotachykinin