The impact of PKR activation: from neurodegeneration to cancer.

An inverse association between cancer and neurodegeneration is plausible because these biological processes share several genes and signaling pathways. Whereas uncontrolled cell proliferation and decreased apoptotic cell death governs cancer, excessive apoptosis contributes to neurodegeneration. Protein kinase R (PKR), an interferon-inducible double-stranded RNA protein kinase, is involved in both diseases.