The Era of Neurodegenerative Metastasis

ACS Chem Neurosci. 2019 Aug 21;10(8):3346-3348. doi: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00371. Epub 2019 Jul 15.

Abstract

The incidence of converging end points across neurodegenerative disorders, leading to comorbidity, has spurred the search for common neurometabolic denominators among otherwise distinct pathologies. While recent data have hinted at crossover factors, and genetic risk-factors across the neurodegenerative landscape, we discuss the potential of prion-like amyloid proteins as suspects, if not causals, in seeding cross-pathology. While much work remains to be done on how they spread and "fertilize" seemingly unrelated neuropathies, it is safe to assume that the era of neurodegenerative metastasis is here.

Keywords: Neurodegeneration; amyloid; comorbidity; crossover factors; neurodegenerative metastasis; oligomers; protofibrils.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / adverse effects
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides