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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
09:44
Chemogenetic Regulation in Reprogrammed Stem Cell-derived Precursor Cells in Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: May 2, 2025
Chelation therapy for neurodegenerative diseases.
Silvia Bolognin1, Denise Drago, Luigi Messori
1Department of Biology, CNR-Institute for Biomedical Technologies, Padua Metalloproteins Unit, University of Padua, Viale G. Colombo 3-35121 Padua, Italy.
Medicinal Research Reviews
|January 30, 2009
Summary
Transition biometals contribute to neurodegenerative diseases (ND). Metal-targeted therapies, using ligands or nanoparticles, show promise for treating ND by redistributing metals, not just removing them.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Transition biometals and aluminum are implicated in neurodegenerative disease (ND) pathogenesis.
- Metal dyshomeostasis affects protein conformation and exacerbates oxidative stress in the brain.
- Chelation therapy is a potential treatment for ND.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey recent evidence on metal-targeted agents for treating common ND.
- To explore the mechanisms of action for these agents.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on metal ligands and nanoparticles for ND treatment.
- Analysis of evidence supporting metal redistribution as a therapeutic mechanism.
Main Results:
- Classical chelation is effective only in rare cases of severe metal accumulation.
- Metal-targeted agents, including functionalized nanoparticles, show potential for common ND.
- Therapeutic benefits likely stem from local metal redistribution rather than wholesale removal.
Conclusions:
- Metal redistribution is a key mechanism for neuroprotective effects in ND.
- Metal-targeted approaches offer a promising avenue for developing new ND therapies.
- Further research is needed to critically evaluate and develop effective agents against ND.
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