NRG and neurological diseases
Disease | Aging | AD | PD | BT | SZ |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Main hallmarks | Gradual loss of cognitive functions. Developmental abnormalities in cortical circuitry | Neuritic plaques. Neurofibrillary tangles.Accumulation beta-amyloid peptide (Aβ) | Degeneration of DAergic neurons.Deposition of α-synuclein | A brain injury that disrupts normal cellular and tissue function (b) | Chronic mental illness presents highly heritable genetic factors. Likely a consequence of neurodevelopmental disorders |
Role of NRG | Neuroprotection, related to maximum lifespan in model systems | Neuroprotection. Decrement of Aβ peptide. Regulation of α-7 nAChR | Protection of DAergic neurons, elevation of DA levels (a) | Neuroprotection. Anti-inflammatory responses. Anti-apoptotic.Beneficial effects on endothelial cells and BBB permeability | Genetic association (NRG and ErbB). High levels of NRG1 contribute to hippocampal synaptic plasticity dysfunction (c) |
Main affected areas | Cortex, PFC | Hippocampus and cerebral cortex | Substantia nigra, hypothalamus | Any area | Cerebral cortex, PFC, hippocampus |
Summary of the neurological diseases discussed in the review, showing their main features and how NRG is involved in those diseases. (a) In PD, ErbB4 is overexpressed and occurs with an excessive release of NRG; (b) BT: traumatic brain injury, stroke, etc.; (c) SZ: NRG1 concentration in serum is modulated by antipsychotic treatments and could be a therapeutic target. BBB: blood-brain barrier; nAChR: nicotinic ACh-R; BT: brain trauma; PD: Parkinson’s disease
ML designed the outline of the manuscript, wrote the abstract, part of sections 1, 2, and 3, contributed to
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
© The Author(s) 2022.