Axonal transport defects in neurodegenerative diseases.

Full Abstract

Adult-onset neurodegenerative diseases (AONDs) comprise a heterogeneous group of neurological disorders characterized by a progressive, age-dependent decline in neuronal function and loss of selected neuronal populations. Alterations in synaptic function and axonal connectivity represent early and critical pathogenic events in AONDs, but molecular mechanisms underlying these defects remain elusive. The large size and complex subcellular architecture of neurons render them uniquely vulnerable to alterations in axonal transport (AT). Accordingly, deficits in AT have been documented in most AONDs, suggesting a common defect acquired through different pathogenic pathways. These observations suggest that many AONDs can be categorized as dysferopathies, diseases in which alterations in AT represent a critical component in pathogenesis. Topics here address various molecular mechanisms underlying alterations in AT in several AONDs. Illumination of such mechanisms provides a framework for the development of novel therapeutic strategies aimed to prevent axonal and synaptic dysfunction in several major AONDs.

Author information

Author/s: Morfini, Gerardo A (GA); Burns, Matthew (M); Binder, Lester I (LI); Kanaan, Nicholas M (NM); LaPointe, Nichole (N); Bosco, Daryl A (DA); Brown, Robert H (RH); Brown, Hannah (H); Tiwari, Ashutosh (A); Hayward, Lawrence (L); Edgar, Julia (J); Nave, Klaus-Armin (KA); Garberrn, James (J); Atagi, Yuka (Y); Song, Yuyu (Y); Pigino, Gustavo (G); Brady, Scott T (ST);

Affiliation: Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA. gmorfini(-atsign-)uic.edu

Grants: AG09466 (Agency:NIA NIH HHS) ; NS23320 (Agency:NINDS NIH HHS) ; NS23868 (Agency:NINDS NIH HHS) ; NS41170 (Agency:NINDS NIH HHS) ; T32AG020506-07 (Agency:NIA NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review

Journal: The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience (J Neurosci), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Oct; vol 29 (issue 41) : pp 12776-86

Dates: Created 2009/10/15; Completed 2009/10/30;

PMID: 19828789, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/30/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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