Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Description

With the unprecedented identification of new mutation mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases and the emergence of common mechanisms among diseases that were once considered unrelated, neurobiologists are poised for the development of new therapies based on high throughput screenings and a better understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to neurodegeneration. In Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Marie-Francoise Chesselet, MD, PhD, and a panel of leading researchers and neurologists from industry and academia critically review the most recent advances from different yet complementary points of view. Focusing on Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and CAG triplet repeat diseases, the authors show how studies of cellular and genetically engineered animal models have enhanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and may lead to the development of new therapeutics. Topics include the role of Ab toxicity, glial cells, and inflammation in Alzheimer's disease; the formation of abnormal protein fragments across several diseases, the impact of dopamine and mitochondrial dysfunction on neurodegeneration; and the potential of genetics to identify the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. Authoritative and insightful, Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases synthesizes the novel ideas and concepts now emerging to create a fresh understanding of neurodegenerative disorders, one that promises to lead to powerful new therapies that prevent, delay the onset, slow the progression, or even cure these cruel diseases. Front Matter....Pages i-xiii Aß Toxicity in Alzheimer’s Disease....Pages 1-49 Transgenic Models of Alzheimer’s Disease....Pages 51-72 Glial Cells in Alzheimer’s Disease....Pages 73-86 Inflammation in Alzheimer’s Disease....Pages 87-110 Proteolysis in Neurodegenerative Diseases....Pages 111-129 Treatment Approaches for Alzheimer’s Disease....Pages 131-149 Tau and α-Synuclein in Neurodegenerative Diseases....Pages 151-176 PET Investigations of Parkinson’s Disease....Pages 177-193 Dopamine Neurotoxicity and Neurodegeneration....Pages 195-231 Mitochondria and Parkinson’s Disease....Pages 233-270 Pathophysiology of SCA1....Pages 271-283 Pathophysiology of SCA3....Pages 285-306 Pathophysiology of Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy....Pages 307-326 Mouse Models of Huntington’s Disease....Pages 327-346 Huntingtin-Associated Proteins....Pages 347-372 Modeling Neurodegenerative Diseases in the Fruit Fly....Pages 373-406 Back Matter....Pages 407-410