Cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript

Cocaine and Amphetamine Regulated Transcript (CART) is a neuropeptide that plays a significant role in the regulation of energy homeostasis, reward and stress responses. It is widely distributed in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral tissues.

Structure

CART is a peptide hormone, which is encoded by the CARTPT gene in humans. The CARTPT gene is located on chromosome 5q13.2 and consists of three exons. The mature peptide is 116 amino acids long and is processed from a larger prepropeptide.

Function

CART is involved in several physiological processes. It is known to inhibit food intake and promote energy expenditure when administered centrally. It also plays a role in the regulation of dopamine activity, particularly in relation to reward and motivation. In addition, it has been implicated in stress responses, with increased CART expression observed in response to various stressors.

Role in Disease

Alterations in CART function have been associated with a number of disorders, including obesity, drug addiction, and mood disorders. For example, reduced levels of CART have been observed in the brains of individuals with Parkinson's disease, suggesting a potential role in the pathogenesis of this disorder.

Research

Research into CART has focused on its potential as a therapeutic target for a range of conditions, including obesity, drug addiction, and mood disorders. However, the development of CART-based therapies has been hampered by a lack of understanding of the precise mechanisms through which CART exerts its effects.