Cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by gamma-secretase generates a neurotoxic amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) that is thought to be associated with the neurodegeneration observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Presenilin is the catalytic member of the gamma-secretase proteolytic complex and mutations in presenilins are the major cause of early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease. In addition to APP, gamma-secretase substrates include Notch1 homologues, Notch ligands Delta and Jagged, and additional type I membrane proteins, raising concerns about mechanism-based toxicities that might arise as a consequence of inhibiting gamma-secretase. Notch signaling is involved in tumorigenesis as well as in determining the fates of neural and nonneural cells during development and in adults. Alterations in proteolysis of the Notch by gamma-secretase could be involved in the pathogenesis of AD. Inconsistently, several recent observations have indicated that enhanced Notch signaling and expression could be instrumental in neurodegeneration in AD. Therefore, detailed and precise study of Notch signaling in AD is important for elucidating diverse mechanisms of pathogenesis and potentially for treating and preventing Alzheimer's disease.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.10.093 | DOI Listing |
J Biomol Struct Dyn
December 2024
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Biruni University, Istanbul, Türkiye.
The increasing global prevalence of Alzheimer's disease necessitates the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Neurodegenerative diseases are associated with increased oxidative stress and levels of cholinesterase enzymes. Hence, the development of cholinesterase inhibitors and antioxidants may provide neuroprotective effects.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFZh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova
December 2024
Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Moscow, Russia.
Objective: Study of neuroimaging changes according to MRI morphometry and their comparison with the structure and severity of cognitive impairment (CI) in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
Material And Methods: The study involved 90 patients who were divided into two equal groups of 45 people and who early had diagnosis of AD (group 1; median age - 71 [66; 77] years) and POAG (group 2; median age - 68 [64; 77] years). 71] years).
Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova
December 2024
Mental Health Research Center, Moscow, Russia.
Mental disorders are complex illnesses with multifactorial etiologies involving genetic and environmental components. This review focuses on cellular models derived from the olfactory epithelium as a promising tool to study the molecular mechanisms of some neuropsychiatric diseases. The authors consider cell lines allowing the identification of potential biomarkers and pathogenetic mechanisms of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and Alzheimer's disease.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArch Pharm (Weinheim)
January 2025
Department of Pharmacognosy, University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurological illness that affects over 80% of aged adults globally in cases of dementia. Although the exact pathophysiological causes of AD remain unclear, its pathogenesis is primarily driven by several distinct biochemical alterations: (i) the accumulation of toxic Aβ plaques, (ii) the hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins, (iii) oxidative stress resulting in cell death, and (iv) an imbalance between the two main neurotransmitters, glutamate and acetylcholine (ACh). Currently, there are very few medications available and no treatment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJpn J Radiol
December 2024
Department of Radiology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174, Edobashi, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan.
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is an age-related small vessel disease pathologically characterized by the progressive accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide in cerebrovascular walls, affecting both cortical and leptomeningeal vessels. Amyloid deposition results in fragile vessels, which may lead to lobar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and cognitive impairment. To evaluate the probability and severity of CAA, the imaging markers depicted on CT and MRI techniques are crucial, as brain pathological examination is highly invasive.
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