Abstract
Connecting Circadian Genes to Neurodegenerative Pathways in Fruit Flies
Highlights
Circadian clocks are found in all mammalian tissues, including neurons and glia, and are, likely to have an impact on the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases
Means et al uncovered a novel pathway connecting SPAG to neurodegenerative mechanisms in flies, which is modulated by circadian genes and light (Fig 1)
DRONC activation is very broad in the brain, even when SPAG/DBT are inactivated in only 16 circadian neurons called ventral lateral neurons (LNvs), which express the neuropeptide Pigment Dispersing Factor (PDF)
Summary
Circadian clocks are found in all mammalian tissues, including neurons and glia, and are, likely to have an impact on the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Means et al report an intriguing connection between circadian genes and pathways implicated in neurodegenerative processes [1]. In fruit flies, the ATXN2 homolog dATX2 plays a critical role in the expression of the circadian gene period (per) in circadian pacemaker neurons. What about the opposite connection: does the clock, or at least some circadian genes, contribute to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases?
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
