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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Tiago OuteiroORCiD
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© 2019 Vasili, Dominguez-Meijide and Outeiro.Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are age-associated neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the misfolding and aggregation of alpha-synuclein (aSyn) and tau, respectively. The coexistence of aSyn and tau aggregates suggests a strong overlap between tauopathies and synucleinopathies. Interestingly, misfolded forms of aSyn and tau can propagate from cell to cell, and throughout the brain, thereby templating the misfolding of native forms of the proteins. The exact mechanisms involved in the propagation of the two proteins show similarities, and are reminiscent of the spreading characteristic of prion diseases. Recently, several models were developed to study the spreading of aSyn and tau. Here, we discuss the mechanisms involved, the similarities and differences between the spreading of the two proteins and that of the prion protein, and the different cell and animal models used for studying these processes. Ultimately, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved may lead to the identification of novel targets for therapeutic intervention in a variety of devastating neurodegenerative diseases.
Author(s): Vasili E, Dominguez-Meijide A, Outeiro TF
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience
Year: 2019
Volume: 12
Online publication date: 25/04/2019
Acceptance date: 09/04/2019
ISSN (electronic): 1662-5099
Publisher: Frontiers Research Foundation
URL: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnmol.2019.00107
DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00107
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