Neurodegeneration models in Parkinson's disease: cellular and molecular paths to neuron death

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. It is a complex disease that is strongly influenced by environmental and genetic factors. While the exact causes of PD are not well understood, research on the effects of toxic substances that induce neuronal death has shed some light on the etiology of the disease. In addition, studies have implicated protein aggregation and impaired mitochondrial, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), proteasome, and/or lysosomal function in the pathogenesis of PD. This review focuses on the alterations in intraneuronal organelles and the role of toxic agents that lead to organelle damage and neurodegeneration that characterize PD. We describe in vivo and in vitro models that have been used to elucidate the factors that lead to the death of dopaminergic neurons and summarize the molecular mechanisms that may underlie the changes that promote neurodegeneration. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms of neuronal death may help us to develop new therapies and interventions to delay or prevent the progression of PD.