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Interactions of VDAC with Proteins Involved in Neurodegenerative Aggregation: An Opportunity for Advancement on

Andrea Magri1, Angela Messina1

  • 1Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania. Italy.

Current Medicinal Chemistry
|June 3, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) is crucial in neurodegenerative diseases by interacting with misfolded proteins. Targeting VDAC1 offers a promising therapeutic strategy for conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Area of Science:

  • Mitochondrial biology
  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular medicine

Background:

  • Voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) proteins are key pore-forming proteins in the mitochondrial outer membrane.
  • VDACs are implicated in cellular metabolism, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases.
  • VDAC1 serves as a docking site for misfolded proteins implicated in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of VDAC isoforms, especially VDAC1, in common neurological disorders.
  • To analyze molecules and peptides that modulate VDAC1 activity in pathological conditions.
  • To highlight VDAC1 as a therapeutic target for neurodegeneration.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of VDAC function in neurodegeneration.
  • Analysis of protein-protein interactions at the VDAC1-misfolded protein interface.
  • Survey of therapeutic agents targeting VDAC1.

Main Results:

  • Misfolded proteins interacting with VDAC1 significantly alter cellular bioenergetics and apoptosis.
  • VDAC1's role is central to mitochondrial dysfunction in various neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Several molecules and peptides show potential for VDAC1 modulation.

Conclusions:

  • VDAC1 is a critical mediator in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Targeting VDAC1 presents a promising therapeutic avenue.
  • This review outlines effective strategies for VDAC1-based treatments.
Keywords:
Alzheimer's diseaseAmyotrophic Lateral SclerosisParkinson's diseaseVDACmitochondrial dysfunctionneurodegenerative diseases

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