tPA is a Neuroprotectant in the Ischemic Brain

Emory University, Atlanta GA

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Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) is a serine proteinase that activates the zymogen plasminogen into plasmin. In the intravascular space tPA has a beneficial thrombolytic effect. Accordingly, recombinant tPA (rtPA) is used for the treatment of ischemic stroke patients. However, during ischemic stroke there is also an increase in tPA activity in the ischemic tissue which has been deemed as neurotoxic. In this application we postulate that tPA not only is devoid of neurotoxic effects but instead that it is a neuroprotectant that renders neurons resistant to hypoxia/ischemia. Accordingly, in this application we will test the hypothesis that in the ischemic brain tPA induces the activation of th mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway via a mechanism independent of its thrombolytic properties, and that mTOR activation leads to hypoxia-inducible factor-1a (HIF-1a) accumulation and expression of HIF-1a-regulated genes known to have a neuroprotective effect in the ischemic brain.