central nervous system (CNS) diseases

Neuronal Signaling is involved in the regulation of the mechanisms of the central nervous system (CNS) such as its structure, function, genetics and physiology as well as how this can be applied to understand diseases of the nervous system. Every information processing system in the CNS is composed of neurons and glia, neurons have evolved unique capabilities for intracellular signaling (communication within the cell) and intercellular signaling (communication between cells). G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), including 5-HT receptor, histamine receptor, opioid receptor, etc. are the largest class of sensory proteins and are important therapeutic targets in Neuronal Signaling. Besides, Notch signaling, such as β- and γ-secretase, also plays multiple roles in the development of the CNS including regulating neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation, survival, self-renewal and differentiation. GPCR dysfunction caused by receptor mutations and environmental challenges contributes to many neurological diseases. Notch signaling in neurons, glia, and NSCs is also involved in pathological changes that occur in disorders such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease and CNS tumors. Thus, targeting Neuronal Signaling, such as notch signaling and GPCRs, can be used as therapeutic interventions for several different CNS disorders.

MCE designs a unique collection of 2572 Neuronal Signaling-related compounds that act as a useful tool for the research of neuronal regulation and neuronal diseases.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the complex network of brain microvessels. It protects the brain from the external bloodstream environment and supplies the brain with the required nutrients for normal function. However, blood-brain barrier is also the obstacle to deliver beneficial drugs to treat CNS (central nervous system) diseases or brain tumors, as it has the least permeable capillaries in the entire body due to physical barriers (tight junctions). Therefore, it is crucial to discover drugs which can cross this barrier for the treatment of brain-based diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and epilepsy.

MCE offers a unique collection of 858 compounds with confirmed CNS-Penetrant property. It’s a useful tool for the discovery of drugs used for brain diseases, such as brain tumors, mental disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterised by progressive dysfunction and death of neurons, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS). Neuroprotection is an approach to preserve neurons so that neurons cannot be hurt by different pathological factors in neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroprotectors are some agonists and antagonists targeting some key targets in neuroprotactive signal pathways, such as calcium and sodium channel blockers, GABA receptor agonists, NMDA receptor Antagonists, etc. Current neuroprotectors cannot reverse existing damage, but they may protect against further nerve damage and slow down any degeneration of the central nervous system (CNS) and still play important roles in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

MCE offers a unique collection of 1068 compounds with potential neuroprotective activities. These compounds mainly act on some key targets in neuroprotetive signal pathways, such as calcium channel, sodium channel, adenosine A1 receptor, etc. MCE Neuroprotective Compopund Library is a useful tool in neuroprotective drug discovery.