Role of prions in neuroprotection and neurodegeneration: a mechanism involving glutamate receptors?
Date
2009-12-01
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Prion
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that cellular prion protein plays important roles in neurodegeneration and neuroprotection. One of the possible mechanism by which this may occur is a functional inhibition of ionotropic glutamate receptors, including N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Here we review recent evidence implicating a possible interplay between NMDA receptors and prions in the context of neurodegenerative disorders. Such is a functional link between NMDA receptors and normal prion protein, and therefore possibly between these receptors and pathological prion isoforms, raises interesting therapeutic possibilities for prion diseases.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Zamponi, G. and Stys, P. (2009). Role of prions in neuroprotection and neurodegeneration. Prion, 3(4), 187-189.