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Updated: Sep 5, 2025
Modeling Neuronal Death and Degeneration in Mouse Primary Cerebellar Granule Neurons
Published on: November 6, 2017
The regulatory role of Pin1 in neuronal death
Shu-Chao Wang1, Xi-Min Hu2, Kun Xiong3
1Center for Medical Research, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
Abstract:
Regulated cell death predominantly involves apoptosis, autophagy, and regulated necrosis. It is vital that we understand how key regulatory signals can control the process of cell death. Pin1 is a cis-trans isomerase that catalyzes the isomerization of phosphorylated serine or threonine-proline motifs of a protein, thereby acting as a crucial molecular switch and regulating the protein functionality and the signaling pathways involved. However, we know very little about how Pin1-associated pathways might play a role in regulated cell death. In this paper, we review the role of Pin1 in regulated cell death and related research progress and summarize Pin1-related pathways in regulated cell death. Aside from the involvement of Pin1 in the apoptosis that accompanies neurodegenerative diseases, accumulating evidence suggests that Pin1 also plays a role in regulated necrosis and autophagy, thereby exhibiting distinct effects, including both neurotoxic and neuroprotective effects. Gaining an enhanced understanding of Pin1 in neuronal death may provide us with new options for the development of therapeutic target for neurodegenerative disorders.
Insights
Pin1, a protein isomerase, regulates cell death pathways including apoptosis, regulated necrosis, and autophagy. Understanding Pin1
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Cellular biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Regulated cell death, encompassing apoptosis, autophagy, and regulated necrosis, is critical for cellular homeostasis.
- Pin1 (Peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase) functions as a molecular switch, regulating protein activity and signaling pathways.
- The precise role of Pin1 in various regulated cell death pathways remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current research on the role of Pin1 in regulated cell death.
- To summarize the known Pin1-associated signaling pathways involved in cell death.
- To explore the potential of Pin1 as a therapeutic target for neurodegenerative disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on Pin1 and regulated cell death.
- Analysis of research progress in Pin1-associated pathways.
- Synthesis of findings regarding Pin1's dual role in neuroprotection and neurotoxicity.
Main Results:
- Pin1 is implicated in apoptosis, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases.
- Evidence suggests Pin1 also influences regulated necrosis and autophagy.
- Pin1 exhibits context-dependent neurotoxic and neuroprotective effects.
Conclusions:
- Pin1 plays a multifaceted role in diverse regulated cell death pathways.
- Further understanding of Pin1 in neuronal death could reveal novel therapeutic strategies.
- Targeting Pin1 may offer new avenues for treating neurodegenerative disorders.
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