Neuropeptides in the New Millennium

Abstract

Journal of Molecular Neuroscience 1 Volume 18, 2002 This issue of the Journal of Molecular Neuroscience encompasses several original studies on peptide drug design, pharmacology and delivery in health and disease, transcription and endocrinology aspects, protein processing and trafficking, pain, depression, and anxiety. These were original papers, submitted after the international neuropeptides 2001 meetings (2nd Joint Meeting of the European Neuropeptide Club [11th Annual Meeting] and the American Summer Neuropeptide Conference [11th Annual Meeting]).* Papers highlighted in the current issue emphasize the expanding nature of the neuropeptide field. Our current issue is honored to have original papers authored by editors of some of the journals devoted to peptide research, among them, are Abba Kastin, Peptides and J. Crawley, Neuropeptides. Their manuscripts touch upon very pertinent topics in neuropeptide research: peptide delivery to the brain and what can be learned from genetically manipulated mice—from gene to behavior. Meetings that cover single peptides or peptide families are held on a regular basis. Furthermore, future meetings of the European Neuropeptide Club (Ostend, Poland, Neuropeptides May 22–25, 2002: From Molecule to Man) will highlight themes related to drug design, pain, neuroprotection, and psychopathology. The American Summer Neuropeptides meeting (June 29–July 3, 2002, Marco Island, Florida) will highlight VIP, drug addiction, polymorphism, immunomodulation, and peptide biotechnology. Processing and trafficking is another major aspect of neuropeptide research. Once again, this issue is privileged to feature Richard Mains, a leader in neuropeptide processing and an organizer of meetings on the subject. The pharmaceutical industry, represented here by Daniel Hoyer, describes drug design, with somatostatin as an example. However, not all eminent peptide researchers will be able to read this issue. It is with great sorrow that I write these following lines to commemorate friends in the Neuropeptide field who are no longer with us.