Cerebral neurotrophic factor, ARMET-like protein 1, Arginine-rich protein mutated in early stage tumors-like 1, Conserved neurotrophic factor, Cdnf, Armetl1.
CDNF, a trophic factor for neurons and a member of the ARMET family, has been shown to protect neurons from degeneration induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). In studies where CDNF administration was controlled following 6-OHDA-induced lesions, it was observed to restore neuronal function and prevent further degeneration in the substantia nigra. CDNF is widely expressed in various tissues, including both neuronal and non-neuronal types. Within the brain, the highest concentrations of CDNF are found in the optic nerve and corpus callosum.
Cerebral neurotrophic factor, ARMET-like protein 1, Arginine-rich protein mutated in early stage tumors-like 1, Conserved neurotrophic factor, Cdnf, Armetl1.
Cerebral Dopamine Neurotrophic Factor (CDNF) is a neurotrophic factor that has garnered significant attention due to its potential therapeutic applications, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. CDNF is part of a unique family of neurotrophic factors, which also includes Mesencephalic Astrocyte-derived Neurotrophic Factor (MANF). These factors are structurally and functionally distinct from other neurotrophic proteins.
CDNF is primarily localized in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) within cells. Unlike many other neurotrophic factors, CDNF is not a secreted protein and does not have receptors on the cell membrane. Its primary function is to regulate ER stress, a condition that can lead to cell death and is implicated in various neurodegenerative diseases .
CDNF has demonstrated the ability to suppress inflammation and apoptosis (programmed cell death). Due to these functions, CDNF has shown protective and restorative properties in various models of neuropathology associated with ER stress, including Parkinson’s disease .
CDNF promotes the survival of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, which are the neurons that degenerate in Parkinson’s disease. This neurotrophic factor does not cross the blood-brain barrier and is administered directly into the brain via a surgically implanted delivery device . Studies have shown that CDNF can improve motor function and neuron survival in rodent models of toxin-induced dopaminergic cell loss .
In addition to its effects on the dopamine system, CDNF has been found to participate in the maturation and maintenance of other neurotransmitter systems, regulation of neuroplasticity, and non-motor behavior . This broad range of functions makes CDNF a promising candidate for the treatment of various neurodegenerative conditions.
Extensive preclinical work on CDNF has been conducted in rodent models. Single intracerebral doses or chronic brain infusion of CDNF have been reported to improve motor function and neuron survival . CDNF has also been shown to enhance the therapeutic benefit of acute subthalamic deep-brain stimulation (DBS), a current treatment for Parkinson’s disease, in a rat model of late-stage disease .
In rodent models of Parkinson’s disease, CDNF has been shown to inhibit α-synuclein oligomer toxicity in cultured dopaminergic neurons . In 6-OHDA-lesioned marmoset monkeys, CDNF treatment increased dopamine transporter (DAT) binding activity on PET scans, suggesting it protected dopaminergic neurons .