Molecular pharmacology in a simple model system: Implicating MAP kinase and phosphoinositide signalling in bipolar disorder

摘要: Understanding the mechanisms of drug action has been primary focus for pharmacological researchers, traditionally using rodent models. However, non-sentient model systems are now increasingly being used as an alternative approach to better understand or targets. One these systems, social amoeba Dictyostelium, enables rapid ablation over-expression genes, and subsequent use isogenic cell culture analysis signalling pathways in research. The also supports important ethical view research, involving reduction, replacement refinement animals biomedical This review outlines Dictyostelium understanding two commonly bipolar disorder treatments (valproic acid lithium). Both compounds regulate mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase inositol phospholipid-based by unknown means. Analysis molecular targeted drugs translation discoveries animal helped further treatments.