Converging pathways in neurodegeneration, from genetics to mechanisms.

TitleConverging pathways in neurodegeneration, from genetics to mechanisms.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2018
AuthorsGan L, Cookson MR, Petrucelli L, La Spada AR
JournalNat Neurosci
Volume21
Issue10
Pagination1300-1309
Date Published2018 Oct
ISSN1546-1726
Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases cause progressive loss of cognitive and/or motor function and pose major challenges for societies with rapidly aging populations. Human genetics studies have shown that disease-causing rare mutations and risk-associated common alleles overlap in different neurodegenerative disorders. Here we review the intricate genotype-phenotype relationships and common cellular pathways emerging from recent genetic and mechanistic studies. Shared pathological mechanisms include defective protein quality-control and degradation pathways, dysfunctional mitochondrial homeostasis, stress granules, and maladaptive innate immune responses. Research efforts have started to bear fruit, as shown by recent treatment successes and an encouraging therapeutic outlook.

DOI10.1038/s41593-018-0237-7
Alternate JournalNat. Neurosci.
PubMed ID30258237