Notch-1 is involved in neurodegeneration in prion diseases
Ishikura, N.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine 65(8): 1397-1400
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0047-1852 PMID: 17695275 Document Number: 614914
Prion diseases are caused by disease -causing isoform of the prion protein (PrP(Sc)) accumulation in the central nervous system. Accumulation of PrP(Sc) induces synaptic dysfunctions, dendritic atrophy, neuronal vacuolation and reactive gliosis. Clinical symptoms are observed after neuronal cell loss. Recently we have reported that Notch-1, which plays important roles in neuronal development is activated in animal and cell models of prion diseases. It is well known that the activation of the Notch signaling pathway induces gliogenesis and suppresses neurogenesis. I will review the previous reports about neurodegeneraion of prion diseases and discuss the possible involvement of Notch-1 in the dendritic atrophy.