The major component of Lewy bodies in Parkinson's disease (PD) is alpha-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 alpha-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.

Alpha-synuclein and autophagy as common steps in neurodegeneration

FERRUCCI, MICHELA;PASQUALI, LIVIA;PAPARELLI, ANTONIO;FORNAI, FRANCESCO
2008-01-01

Abstract

The major component of Lewy bodies in Parkinson's disease (PD) is alpha-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 alpha-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.
2008
Ferrucci, Michela; Pasquali, Livia; Ruggieri, S; Paparelli, Antonio; Fornai, Francesco
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11568/179463
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