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A Perspective on Neuronal Cell Death Signaling and Neurodegeneration

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Abstract

Although neuronal cell death through apoptotic pathways represents a common feature of dysferopathies, the canonical apoptotic changes familiar from nonneuronal cells are late events. Loss of neuronal function occurs at a much early time, when synaptic-based neuronal connectivity fails. In this context, apoptotic pathways may normally serve a cleanup role, rather than a pathogenic one. Reframing the consideration of cell death in the nervous system to include the early stages of axonal degeneration provides a better understanding of the roles played by various apoptotic signaling pathways in neurodegenerative diseases. Focusing on disease-specific mechanisms that initiate the sequence that eventually leads to neuronal loss should facilitate development of therapies that preserve neuronal function and neuronal numbers.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by grants from NINDS (NS23868) and MDA to S.B. and from the Huntington’s Disease Society of America and the ALS/CVS Therapy Alliance to G.M..

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  1. Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 808 S. Wood St., Rm 578 (M/C 512), Chicago, IL, 60612, USA

    Scott Brady & Gerardo Morfini

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Correspondence to Scott Brady.

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Brady, S., Morfini, G. A Perspective on Neuronal Cell Death Signaling and Neurodegeneration. Mol Neurobiol 42, 25–31 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12035-010-8128-2

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