TY - JOUR
T1 - Alpha-synuclein and autophagy as common steps in neurodegeneration
AU - Ferrucci, Michela
AU - Pasquali, Livia
AU - Ruggieri, Stefano
AU - Paparelli, Antonio
AU - Fornai, Francesco
PY - 2008/7
Y1 - 2008/7
N2 - The major component of Lewy bodies in Parkinson's disease (PD) is α-synuclein, which is considered as a substrate of the ubiquitin-proteasome (UP) system, although autophagy seems to be equally involved. Here we discuss the co-existence of α-synuclein and proteins belonging to the UP system within autophagic granules, further developing as neuronal inclusions. We hypothesize that, following slight insults, both UP and autophagy are induced; if toxic stimuli are prolonged, these pathways are overwhelmed and cell death occurs. We then indicate a protective role of autophagy in PD and suggest it as a therapeutic target to slow down the progression of the disease.
AB - The major component of Lewy bodies in Parkinson's disease (PD) is α-synuclein, which is considered as a substrate of the ubiquitin-proteasome (UP) system, although autophagy seems to be equally involved. Here we discuss the co-existence of α-synuclein and proteins belonging to the UP system within autophagic granules, further developing as neuronal inclusions. We hypothesize that, following slight insults, both UP and autophagy are induced; if toxic stimuli are prolonged, these pathways are overwhelmed and cell death occurs. We then indicate a protective role of autophagy in PD and suggest it as a therapeutic target to slow down the progression of the disease.
KW - Degradation pathways
KW - Lithium
KW - Neuronal inclusions
KW - Parkinson's disease
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=47049119545&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=47049119545&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2008.04.025
DO - 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2008.04.025
M3 - Article
C2 - 18583174
AN - SCOPUS:47049119545
VL - 14
JO - Parkinsonism and Related Disorders
JF - Parkinsonism and Related Disorders
SN - 1353-8020
IS - SUPPL.2
ER -