Neurodegenerative disease

Question 1

What is the molecular cause of Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 1

The molecular cause of Parkinson’s disease is primarily associated with the accumulation of misfolded alpha-synuclein protein in certain brain cells. These protein aggregates, known as Lewy bodies, interfere with normal cellular function and lead to the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. The exact mechanisms triggering alpha-synuclein misfolding and aggregation are not fully understood, but genetic mutations, environmental factors, and oxidative stress are believed to contribute to the development of Parkinson’s disease.
Dopamine deficiency is the main cause.

Question 2

What is the difference between Alzheimers and Dementia?

Answer 2

The symptoms are the main difference:
- Dementia:
memory lost (old and new), difficulty in focus and attention, visual perception, reasoning, judgment, comprehension.
- Alzheimers:
difficulty remembering newly learned info, disorientation, mood and behaviour change.

Question 3

What’s the genetic cause of Huntington’s disease?

Answer 3

Huntington disease is caused by the CAG (glutamine) trinucleotide repeats CAG CAG…CAG (6-39)-> 180 in huntingtin proteins. Mutant huntingtin from nuclear and cytoplasmic aggregates.

Question 4

What is the key factor responsible for the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases?

Answer 4

Misfolded proteins

Question 5

What is the challenge at a cellular level to deal with protein aggregates?

Answer 5

Proteasomes and lysosomes, aggregates are too big to fit into these trash cans, so they cause different diseases.

Question 6

What are the symptoms of each neurodegenerative disease?

Answer 6

Symptoms vary, but common neurodegenerative disease symptoms include cognitive decline, memory loss (Alzheimer’s), tremors, and motor impairment (Parkinson’s), and difficulties with movement and coordination (Huntington’s), slowly progressive weakness (Amytrophic lateral sclerosis)