Roles and Mechanisms of Axon-Guidance Molecules in Alzheimer's Disease

Mol Neurobiol. 2021 Jul;58(7):3290-3307. doi: 10.1007/s12035-021-02311-2. Epub 2021 Mar 5.

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by progressive memory decline and cognitive dysfunctions. Although the causes of AD have not yet been established, many mechanisms have been proposed. Axon-guidance molecules play the roles in the occurrence and development of AD by participating in different mechanisms. Therefore, what roles do axon-guidance molecules play in AD? This study aimed at elucidating how axon-guidance molecules Netrins, Slits, Semaphorins, and Ephrins regulate the levels of Aβ, hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, Reelin, and other ways through different signaling pathways, in order to show the roles of axon-guidance molecules in the occurrence and development of AD. And it is hoped that this study can provide a theoretical basis and new perspectives in the search for new therapeutic targets for AD.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; Ephrins; Netrins; Semaphorins; Slits.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / genetics
  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism*
  • Alzheimer Disease / pathology
  • Animals
  • Axon Guidance / physiology*
  • Axons / metabolism*
  • Axons / pathology
  • Growth Cones / metabolism
  • Growth Cones / pathology
  • Humans
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Synapses / genetics
  • Synapses / metabolism
  • Synapses / pathology

Substances

  • Nerve Tissue Proteins