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Updated: Mar 9, 2026
Monitoring Neuronal Survival via Longitudinal Fluorescence Microscopy
Published on: January 19, 2019
Drug target identification at the crossroad of neuronal apoptosis and survival
Barbara Maino1, Simona Paparone1, Cinzia Severini2,3
1a Institute of Neurological Sciences , Italian National Research Council , Catania , Italy.
Introduction:
Inappropriate activation of apoptosis may contribute to neurodegeneration, a multifaceted process that results in various chronic disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Several in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that neuronal apoptosis is a multi-pathway cell-death program that requires RNA synthesis. Thus, transcriptionally activated genes whose products induce cell death can be triggered by different stimuli and antagonized by neurotrophic factors. Systems biology is now unveiling the series of intracellular signaling pathways and key drug targets at the intersection of neuronal apoptosis and survival. Areas covered: This review introduces a genomic approach that can be used to elucidate the systems biology of neuronal apoptosis and survival, and to rationally select drug targets, no longer oriented to emulate the action of growth factors at the membrane receptor level, but rather to modulate their downstream signals. Expert opinion: The advent of genomics is offering an unprecedented opportunity to explore how the delicate balance between apoptosis and survival-inducing signals triggers a transcriptional program. Characterization of this program can be useful to identify potential pharmacological targets for existing drugs. Such knowledge might pave the way towards an innovative pharmacology.
Insights
Neurodegeneration, linked to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, involves programmed cell death (apoptosis). Genomics offers new ways to find drug targets by understanding the genes controlling neuronal survival and death.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genomics
- Systems Biology
Background:
- Inappropriate apoptosis contributes to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
- Neuronal apoptosis is a complex, RNA-synthesis-dependent cell-death program.
- Neurotrophic factors can counteract stimuli that trigger cell death pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a genomic approach for understanding neuronal apoptosis and survival systems.
- To identify novel drug targets by analyzing intracellular signaling pathways.
- To shift drug development from receptor-level to downstream signal modulation.
Main Methods:
- Genomic analysis to elucidate systems biology of neuronal apoptosis.
- Identification of key drug targets at the intersection of apoptosis and survival pathways.
- Exploration of transcriptional programs regulating cell death and survival.
Main Results:
- Genomics provides an unprecedented opportunity to study the balance between apoptosis and survival signals.
- Characterization of transcriptional programs can reveal potential pharmacological targets.
- Systems biology approach unveils intracellular signaling pathways involved in neuronal fate.
Conclusions:
- A genomic approach can rationally select drug targets for neurodegenerative disorders.
- Understanding transcriptional programs can lead to innovative pharmacological strategies.
- Modulating downstream signals offers a new paradigm for treating neurodegeneration.
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