Abstract
Autophagy refers to the process by which lysosomes degrade intracellular components. Three basic forms of it, macro-, micro-, and chaperon-mediated autophagy, exist in cells. Several studies have shown that dysregulation of macroautophagy compromises the viability of neurons. Recent evidence indicates that chaperone-mediated autophagy plays a role in direct degradation of neuronal transcription factor MEF2D, a protein known to promote neuronal survival. Disruption of this regulatory pathway by α-synuclein leads to neuronal stress, which may underlie neuronal loss in Parkinson's disease.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Autophagy*
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Cell Death
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Humans
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MADS Domain Proteins / genetics
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MADS Domain Proteins / metabolism*
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MEF2 Transcription Factors
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Myogenic Regulatory Factors / genetics
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Myogenic Regulatory Factors / metabolism*
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Neurons / cytology
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Neurons / metabolism
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Parkinson Disease / genetics
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Parkinson Disease / metabolism*
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Parkinson Disease / physiopathology
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alpha-Synuclein / metabolism
Substances
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MADS Domain Proteins
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MEF2 Transcription Factors
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MEF2D protein, human
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Myogenic Regulatory Factors
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alpha-Synuclein