Therapeutic Strategies to Target Calcium Dysregulation in Alzheimer's Disease
Maria Calvo-Rodriguez1, Elizabeth K Kharitonova1, Brian J Bacskai1
1Alzheimer Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
Abstract:
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, affecting millions of people worldwide. Unfortunately, none of the current treatments are effective at improving cognitive function in AD patients and, therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of new therapies that target the early cause(s) of AD. Intracellular calcium (Ca2+) regulation is critical for proper cellular and neuronal function. It has been suggested that Ca2+ dyshomeostasis is an upstream factor of many neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. For this reason, chemical agents or small molecules aimed at targeting or correcting this Ca2+ dysregulation might serve as therapeutic strategies to prevent the development of AD. Moreover, neurons are not alone in exhibiting Ca2+ dyshomeostasis, since Ca2+ disruption is observed in other cell types in the brain in AD. In this review, we examine the distinct Ca2+ channels and compartments involved in the disease mechanisms that could be potential targets in AD.
Insights
Alzheimer's disease involves calcium (Ca2+) regulation problems. Targeting this calcium imbalance offers a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing Alzheimer's disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia, with current treatments lacking efficacy in improving cognitive function.
- Dysregulation of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis is implicated as an upstream factor in neurodegenerative diseases, including AD.
- Ca2+ dyshomeostasis affects not only neurons but also other brain cell types in AD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of calcium dyshomeostasis in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets related to calcium channels and compartments involved in AD.
- To explore novel treatment strategies focused on correcting calcium dysregulation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating calcium homeostasis in Alzheimer's disease.
- Analysis of distinct calcium channels and cellular compartments implicated in AD.
- Examination of potential therapeutic agents targeting calcium dysregulation.
Main Results:
- Intracellular calcium dysregulation is a critical factor in the cellular and neuronal dysfunction observed in AD.
- Specific calcium channels and cellular compartments are identified as key players in AD mechanisms.
- Evidence suggests that modulating calcium balance could offer a preventative therapeutic approach.
Conclusions:
- Correcting calcium dyshomeostasis presents a viable therapeutic avenue for Alzheimer's disease.
- Targeting specific calcium channels and compartments may lead to effective AD treatments.
- Further research into calcium-modulating agents is warranted for AD prevention and therapy.
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