Protein Aggregates and the Development of Neurodegenerative Diseases

摘要

Protein aggregation seems to be a common feature of several neurodegenerative diseases and to some extent of physiological brain aging. We focus in this short review on the occurrence of protein aggregates in the most eminent neurodegenerative diseases. The current knowledge about the protein aggregates and the ways of their formation will be highlighted as well as the main proteolytic system counteracting the process of aggregation inside the cells - the proteasome. The different ways in which protein aggregates and the proteasome interact will be highlighted and the factors inhibiting the proteasome are discussed. Finally, the question whether protein aggregates are cause or consequence in the neurodegenerative process will be dealt with. In the light of the previously discussed information different therapeutic approaches are briefly consulted at the end of this short review.