DNA damage is the prime activator of the enzyme poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase1 (PARP-1) whose overactivation has been proven to be associated with the pathogenesis of numerous central nervous system disorders, such as ischemia, neuroinflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is anubiquitous, DNA repair-associated enzyme, which participates in gene expression, cell death, central nerve system (CNS) disorders and oxidative stress.
This review introduces mechanism of PARP-1 activation, the role of PARP-1 in cell physiology and pathology, and discusses the potential of PARP-1 inhibition as a therapy in acute and chronic CNS diseases.