ATF4 inhibitors and their use for neural protection, repair, regeneration, and plasticity
In one aspect, the invention relates to a method for identifying a drug candidate with activity as a neuroprotective agent. The method includes determining whether a compound reduces ATF4 activity; and identifying the compound that reduces ATF4 activity as a drug candidate.
1. A method for identifying a drug candidate with activity as a neuroprotective agent, the method comprising:
a. determining whether a compound decreases the amount of ATF4 protein by:
i. providing a cell expressing ATF4;
ii. contacting the cell with the compound; and
iii. measuring the amount of ATF4 protein in the cell,
wherein a decrease in the amount of ATF4 protein indicates the compound has activity as a neuroprotective agent; and
b. identifying the compound that decreases the amount of ATF4 protein as a drug candidate.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the cell is in vitro.
3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the cell is ex vivo.
4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the cell is in vivo.
5. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising testing the drug candidate for neuroprotective activity in a mammal.
6. The method according to claim 5 , wherein the mammal is a mouse.