Publication Date:
2012-04-05
Description:
Degeneration of the axon is an important step in the pathomechanism of traumatic, inflammatory and degenerative neurological diseases. Increasing evidence suggests that axonal degeneration occurs early in the course of these diseases and therefore represents a promising target for future therapeutic strategies. We review the evidence for axonal destruction from pathological findings and animal models with particular emphasis on neurodegenerative and neurotraumatic disorders. We discuss the basic morphological and temporal modalities of axonal degeneration (acute, chronic and focal axonal degeneration and Wallerian degeneration). Based on the mechanistic concepts, we then delineate in detail the major molecular mechanisms that underlie the degenerative cascade, such as calcium influx, axonal transport, protein aggregation and autophagy. We finally concentrate on putative therapeutic targets based on the mechanistic prerequisites. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Pages 1-23 DOI 10.1007/s00441-012-1362-3 Authors Paul Lingor, Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany Jan C. Koch, Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany Lars Tönges, Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany Mathias Bähr, Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany Journal Cell and Tissue Research Online ISSN 1432-0878 Print ISSN 0302-766X
Print ISSN:
0302-766X
Electronic ISSN:
1432-0878
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
