Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide with widespread occurrence and diverse biological effects. Among its several different effects, of special importance is the action of PACAP on neuronal proliferation, differentiation and migration, and neuroprotection. The neuroprotective mechanism of PACAP is both direct and indirect, via neuronal and non-neuronal cells. Several research groups have performed transcriptomic and proteomic analysis on PACAP-mediated genes and proteins. Hundreds of proteins have been described as being involved in the PACAP-mediated neuroprotection. In the present review we summarize the few currently available transcriptomic data potentially leading to the proteomic changes in neuronal development and protection. Proteomic studies focusing on the neuroprotective role of PACAP are also reviewed and discussed in light of the most intriguing and promising effect of this neuropeptide, which may possibly have future therapeutic potential.
Keywords: PACAP; development; neuropeptide; neuroprotective; neurotrophic.