Role of rafts in neurological disorders

Abstract

Introduction: Rafts are protein-lipid structural nanodomains involved in efficient signal transduction and the modulation of physiological processes of the cell plasma membrane. Raft disruption in the nervous system has been associated with a wide range of disorders.

Development: We review the concept of rafts, the nervous system processes in which they are involved, and their role in diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer disease, and Huntington disease.

Conclusions: Based on the available evidence, preservation and/or reconstitution of rafts is a promising treatment strategy for a wide range of neurological disorders.

Keywords: Alzheimer; Caveola; Caveolae; Cell membrane; Cholesterol; Colesterol; Huntington; Membrana plasmática; Parkinson.