Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptide receptor neurons are essential for energy homeostasis, reward processing, and neuroprotection.
CART peptides are widely distributed in the brain and act as neurotransmitters/neuromodulators. While specific CART receptors have not been fully characterized, CART-expressing neurons are crucial for:
CART neurons are abundant in:
CART may protect dopaminergic neurons through anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Reduced CART levels have been observed in PD models.
CART neuroprotective properties include modulation of amyloid-beta toxicity and mitochondrial function.