Publication
Title
Huntingtons disease : novel therapeutic perspectives hanging in the balance
Author
Abstract
Introduction: Huntingtons disease (HD), an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expansion of CAG repeats in the huntingtin gene, has long been characterized by the presence of motor symptoms due to the loss of striatal projection neurons. Cognitive dysfunction and neuropsychiatric symptoms are also present and they occur in the absence of cell death in most mouse models, pointing to neuronal dysfunction and abnormal synaptic plasticity as causative mechanisms. Areas covered: Here, we focus on those common mechanisms altered by the presence of mutant huntingtin affecting corticostriatal and hippocampal function as therapeutic targets that could prove beneficial to ameliorate both cognitive and motor function in HD. Specifically, we discuss the importance of reestablishing the balance in (1) synaptic/extrasynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor signaling, (2) mitochondrial dynamics/trafficking, (3) TrkB/p75NTR signaling, and (4) transcriptional activity. Expert opinion: Mutant huntingtin has a broad impact on multiple cellular processes, which makes it very challenging to design a curative therapeutic strategy. As we point out here, novel therapeutic interventions should look for multi-purpose drugs targeting common and early affected processes leading to corticostriatal and hippocampal dysfunction that additionally operate in a feedforward vicious cycle downstream the activation of extrasynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Expert opinion on therapeutic targets. - London
Publication
London : 2018
ISSN
1472-8222
DOI
10.1080/14728222.2018.1465930
Volume/pages
22 :5 (2018) , p. 385-399
ISI
000432157000002
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 10.10.2018
Last edited 02.02.2023
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