Abstract
In neuronal systems, the health and activity of mitochondria and synapses are tightly coupled. For this reason, it has been postulated that mitochondrial abnormalities may, at least in part, drive neurodegeneration in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Mounting evidence from multiple Alzheimer's disease cell and mouse models and postmortem brains suggest that loss of mitochondrial integrity may be a key factor that mediates synaptic loss. Therefore, the prevention or rescue of mitochondrial dysfunction may help delay or altogether prevent AD-associated neurodegeneration. Since mitochondrial health is heavily dependent on antioxidant defenses, researchers have begun to explore the use of mitochondria-targeted antioxidants as therapeutic tools to prevent neurodegenerative diseases. This review will highlight advances made using a model mitochondria-targeted antioxidant peptide, SS31, as a potential treatment for AD.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1103-1119 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Pharmaceuticals |
Volume | 5 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 16 2012 |
Keywords
- Alzheimer's
- Antioxidant
- Mitochondria
- SS31
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Molecular Medicine
- Pharmaceutical Science
- Drug Discovery