RNA-binding proteins in neurological diseases

Emerging studies support that RNA-binding proteins(RBPs)play critical roles in human biology and pathogenesis.RBPs are essential players in RNA processing and metabolism,including pre-mRNA splicing,polyadenylation,transport,surveillance,mRNA localization,mRNA stability control,translational control and editing of various types of RNAs.Aberrant expression of and mutations in RBP genes affect various steps of RNA processing,altering target gene function.RBPs have been associated with various diseases,including neurological diseases.Here,we mainly focus on selected RNA-binding proteins including Nova-1/Nova-2,HuR/HuB/HuC/HuD,TDP-43,Fus,Rbfox1/Rbfox2,QKI and FMRP,discussing their function and roles in human diseases.     

NAIP及其与某些神经系统疾病的关系

NLR家族（nucleotide—binding domain,leucine rich repeat containing family）是一个胞浆蛋白家族,参与对细胞内病原相关分子模式（pathogen-associated molecular patterns,PAMPs）的识别,这个家族的成员之一——NAIP在许多神经系统疾病中发挥重要作用,参与这些疾病的发生、发展的调控。本文将对人NAIP基因及其同源基因鼠Naip基因以及两者编码的蛋白在相关疾病当中的作用进行综述。     

Neurotensin: role in psychiatric and neurological diseases

Neurotensin (NT), an endogenous brain-gut peptide, has a close anatomical and functional relationship with the mesocorticolimbic and neostriatal dopamine system. Dysregulation of NT neurotransmission in this system has been hypothesized to be involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Additionally, NT containing circuits have been demonstrated to mediate some of the mechanisms of action of antipsychotic drugs, as well as the rewarding and/or sensitizing properties of drugs of abuse. NT receptors have been suggested to be novel targets for the treatment of psychoses or drug addiction.     

电压依赖性钾通道与人类神经性疾病

电压依赖性钾通道是钾通道超家族中成员最多,最为复杂的亚家族,主要包括Kvα亚单位和辅助亚单位两部分,其中快速失活A型通道和毒蕈碱敏感的M通道已被大量研究,它们广泛分布于神经系统,主要参与各种生理和病理作用,如膜兴奋性的产生,神经递质的释放,神经元细胞的增殖和退化,以及神经网络的信号传递等。目前发现Kv通道亚型或亚单位的突变与学习和记忆的损伤,共济失调,癫痫,神经性耳聋等一些神经性疾病的产生有关。     

Redox-based endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction in neurological diseases

The redox homeostasis of the endoplasmic reticulum lumen is characteristically different from that of the other subcellular compartments. The concerted action of membrane transport processes and oxidoreductase enzymes maintain the oxidized state of the thiol-disulfide and the reducing state of the pyridine nucleotide redox systems, which are prerequisites for the normal functions of the organelle. The powerful thiol-oxidizing machinery allows oxidative protein folding but continuously challenges the local antioxidant defense. Alterations of the cellular redox environment either in oxidizing or reducing direction affect protein processing and may induce endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response. The activated signaling pathways attempt to restore the balance between protein loading and processing and induce apoptosis if the attempt fails. Recent findings strongly support the involvement of this mechanism in brain ischemia, neuronal degenerative diseases and traumatic injury. The redox changes in the endoplasmic reticulum are integral parts of the pathomechanism of neurological diseases, either as causative agents, or as complications.     

Acetylcholinesterase--apoptosis induction, role in neurological diseases and leukemia

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE - EC. 3.1.1.7) plays an essential role in acetylcholine-mediated neurotransmission. Unfortunately, an AChE-peptide exhibits pathophysiological activity via an apoptotic pathway that could play an important role in neuronal development and neurodegeneration. It was found that a peptide derived from AChE may induce neuronal death and acetylcholinesterase may induce neurological changes in the development of Alzheimer's disease. It was also stated that complex of AChE with beta-amyloid is much more toxic than amyloid and causes stronger neurological changes. AChE promotes the generation of amyloid by accelerating the expression of peptide precursor (beta-APP) in glial cells. The essential role is also played by AChE in induction of hematological disease. It is well known that phospho-organic compounds cause inhibition of AChE precursors what is related to decrease of hemoglobin concentration, number of erythrocytes and hematocrit level. The article is an attempt to explain the role of acetylcholinesterase in neuronal apoptosis, Alzheimer's disease and Myasthenia gravis as well as in leukemia.     

The blood-brain barrier in brain homeostasis and neurological diseases

Brain endothelial cells are unique among endothelial cells in that they express apical junctional complexes, including tight junctions, which quite resemble epithelial tight junctions both structurally and functionally. They form the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) which strictly controls the exchanges between the blood and the brain compartments by limiting passive diffusion of blood-borne solutes while actively transporting nutrients to the brain. Accumulating experimental and clinical evidence indicate that BBB dysfunctions are associated with a number of serious CNS diseases with important social impacts, such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain tumors, epilepsy or Alzheimer's disease. This review will focus on the implication of brain endothelial tight junctions in BBB architecture and physiology, will discuss the consequences of BBB dysfunction in these CNS diseases and will present some therapeutic strategies for drug delivery to the brain across the BBB.     

The interplay between microRNAs and histone deacetylases in neurological diseases

Neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and stroke, represent a prevalent group of devastating illnesses with few treatments. Each of these diseases or conditions is in part characterized by the dysregulation of many genes, including those that code for microRNAs (miRNAs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). Recently, a complex relationship has been uncovered linking miRNAs and HDACs and their ability to regulate one another. This provides a new avenue for potential therapeutics as the ability to reinstate a careful balance between miRNA and HDACs has lead to improved outcomes in a number of in vitro and in vivo models of neurological conditions. In this review, we will discuss recent findings on the interplay between miRNAs and HDACs and its implications for pathogenesis and treatment of neurological conditions, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease and stroke.