Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Huntington's disease (HD), although distinct in their clinical manifestations, share a common hallmark: a disrupted neuroinflammatory environment orchestrated by dysregulation of neuroglial intercellular communication. Neuroglial crosstalk is physiologically ensured by extracellular mediators and by the activity of connexins (Cxs), the forming proteins of gap junctions (Gjs) and hemichannels (HCs), which maintain intracellular and extracellular homeostasis. However, accumulating evidence suggests that Cxs can also act as pathological pore in neuroinflammatory conditions, thereby contributing to neurodegenerative phenomena such as synaptic dysfunction, oxidative stress, and ultimately cell death. This review explores mechanistic insights of Cxs-mediated intercellular communication in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and discusses the therapeutic potential of targeting Cxs to restore cellular homeostasis.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11850338 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fncel.2025.1532960 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to explore how plasma α-synuclein levels relate to cerebral blood flow in Parkinson's disease patients who experience freezing of gait (FOG).
- A total of 120 Parkinson's patients were assessed for FOG and divided into two groups: those with FOG and those without.
- Results showed that patients with FOG had slower blood flow in key arteries and higher α-synuclein levels, indicating that these factors independently increase the risk of FOG in Parkinson's disease.
The changes of NLRs family members in the brain of AD mouse model and AD patients.
Front Immunol
March 2025
College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China.
Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD), a prevalent neurodegenerative disease, is primarily characterized by progressive neuron loss and memory impairment. NOD-like receptors (NLRs) are crucial for immune regulation and maintaining cellular homeostasis. Recently, NLRs have been identified as important contributors to neuroinflammation, thus presenting a potential approach for reducing inflammation and slowing AD progression.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGinsenoside Ro ameliorates cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation in APP/PS1 mice via the IBA1/GFAP-MAPK signaling pathway.
Front Pharmacol
February 2025
Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
Introduction: Ginseng, known as the "king of herbs," has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine due to its beneficial properties, including anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. Ginsenosides, the active compounds in ginseng, have shown promise in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Ginsenoside Ro and its underlying mechanisms in AD treatment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFImplications of draxin in neurological disorders.
Front Cell Dev Biol
February 2025
Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan.
Axon guidance proteins not only play a role in the formation of proper neural circuits but also have other important functions, such as cell survival, migration, and proliferation in the brain. Therefore, mutations in the genes encoding these proteins frequently cause various types of neurological disorders, including psychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. We previously identified an axon guidance protein, draxin, that is essential for the development of several neural circuits and cell survival in the brain.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFExploring the underlying molecular connections: a bioinformatics approach to link melanoma and Parkinson's disease.
Front Genet
February 2025
Department of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
Introduction: Melanoma, a highly aggressive form of skin cancer, and Parkinson's disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, have been epidemiologically linked, showing a positive association that suggests a shared etiology. This association implies that individuals with one condition may have an increased risk of developing the other. However, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!