Abstract

Prokineticin 2 (PK2) and the receptors PKR1 and PKR2 are expressed in several tissues, including the brain. PK2/PKRs signaling are involved in several physiological and cellular processes, such as neurogenesis and chemotaxis of neuroblasts to the olfactory bulb. Neurons, astrocytes, and microglia express PK2 and PKRs and upregulate their expression following injuries to the brain, such as traumatic injury, stroke, or chronic neurodegenerative disorders. The mechanisms controlling PK2 and PKRs expression and the effects of their upregulation on neuroprotection and neurodegeneration are still largely unknown.