Common therapeutic strategies for prion and Alzheimer's diseases

Biol Chem. 2016 Nov 1;397(11):1115-1124. doi: 10.1515/hsz-2016-0190.

Abstract

A number of unexpected pathophysiological connections linking different neurodegenerative diseases have emerged over the past decade. An example is provided by prion and Alzheimer's diseases. Despite being distinct pathologies, these disorders share several neurotoxic mechanisms, including accumulation of misfolded protein isoforms, stress of the protein synthesis machinery, and activation of a neurotoxic signaling mediated by the cellular prion protein. Here, in addition to reviewing these mechanisms, we will discuss the potential therapeutic interventions for prion and Alzheimer's diseases that are arising from the comprehension of their common neurodegenerative pathways.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / drug therapy
  • Alzheimer Disease / genetics
  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism
  • Alzheimer Disease / therapy*
  • Animals
  • Gene Silencing
  • Humans
  • PrPC Proteins / deficiency
  • PrPC Proteins / genetics
  • PrPC Proteins / metabolism
  • Prion Diseases / drug therapy
  • Prion Diseases / genetics
  • Prion Diseases / metabolism
  • Prion Diseases / therapy*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • PrPC Proteins