Shared Mechanisms

Question 1

What causes glutamate excitotoxcity?

Answer 1

Extra glutamate can spill over onto extra-synaptic NMDARs that have different subunits that allow a sustained influx of Ca2+ ions that increase LTD and apoptosis.

Question 2

What is role of mitochondrial dysfunction in several diseases?

Answer 2

Mitochondria produce energy by oxidative phosphorylation via the electron transport chain. This can generate ROS that are very reactive and can damage DNA, RNA proteins, and lipids in the cell.

Question 3

How does epigenetics affect genes?

Answer 3

Acetylation of histones activates transcription, while methylation of cytosines represses transcription.

Question 4

How does inflammation affect AD?

Answer 4

In AD amyloid deposits can activate astrocytes and microglia. Microglia are initially beneficial, but as the disease progresses they become harmful and release ROS that can activate apoptosis.

Question 5

How does protein misfolding work in neurodegenerative diseases?

Answer 5

Abnormal protein misfolding and aggregation leads to B-sheets oligomers and aggregation