Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 23, 2026
ALS - Motor Neuron Disease: Mechanism and Development of New Therapies
Published on: July 29, 2007
A Pathogenic Mechanism Potentially Operative in Multiple Progressive Diseases and Its Therapeutic Implications
1Division of Academics-Research, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA, USA.
Abstract:
A variety of peptide signaling moieties that we have termed intracrines can act in the interiors of their cells of synthesis or of target cells after internalization. These intracrine factors are known to be upregulated in such disorders as diabetic nephropathy, systolic heart failure, and age-related macular degeneration. Indeed, a similar set of intracrines is upregulated in each of these disorders, suggesting a commonality of mechanism. In addition, several chronic neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease involve intercellular trafficking of intracellular disease-causing proteins. These disorders can be considered intracrine-like. Here the mechanistic and therapeutic implications of these observations, and of the relevant modes of intracrine action, are discussed, including the possibility that similar therapeutic approaches could be effective in multiple progressive disorders and the implications of these observations for intracrine pharmacology in general.
Insights
Intracrines, peptide signaling molecules, are upregulated in diseases like diabetic nephropathy and heart failure. Similar mechanisms may link these and neurodegenerative disorders, suggesting shared therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Signaling
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Intracrines are peptide signaling molecules acting within cells or after internalization.
- Upregulation of specific intracrines is observed in diabetic nephropathy, systolic heart failure, and age-related macular degeneration.
- Chronic neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's involve intercellular trafficking of intracellular proteins, resembling intracrine-like actions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the mechanistic and therapeutic implications of intracrine action.
- To explore the commonality of intracrine upregulation across diverse progressive disorders.
- To consider intracrine-like mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review and discussion of existing literature on intracrine signaling.
- Analysis of intracrine involvement in various pathological conditions.
- Exploration of intercellular trafficking mechanisms in neurodegeneration.
Main Results:
- A common set of intracrines is upregulated in distinct disorders, suggesting shared underlying mechanisms.
- Neurodegenerative disorders exhibit intracrine-like intercellular protein trafficking.
- Potential for common therapeutic approaches across multiple progressive diseases.
Conclusions:
- Intracrine signaling plays a significant role in various progressive diseases.
- Understanding intracrine-like mechanisms in neurodegeneration opens new therapeutic avenues.
- Pharmacological targeting of intracrines may offer broad therapeutic benefits for multiple disorders.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Parkinson's Disease: Overview
01:29Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
02:07Tumor Progression
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
01:29Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
01:29Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Pharmacologic...
01:24Principles of Drug Action
Drugs can be agonists or antagonists. Like the endogenous ligands, agonists always bind and activate the target to produce a cellular response. Agonist binding induces a conformational change which in turn...