Identified protein interactions of factors that can cause neurodegenerative diseases

• Post by: Ana Mitrović
• 22.September, 2021
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Janja Božič, Helena Motaln, Anja Pucer Janež and Lara Markič headed by prof. dr. Boris Rogelj and in collaboration with researchers from Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, identified protein interactions of factors that can cause neurodegenerative diseases such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) if they accumulate in the wrong place. The publication in Brain reports on proteins that bind to C9ORF72 dipeptide repeats (DPRs) in living cells that have been identified by high-throughput screening methods. They were able to evaluate the effect of binding of DPRs with the protein VCP (Valosin containing protein), which participates in the breakdown of proteins in cells, or in the “cleansing” of cells and maintaining their normal proteostasis. Dipeptide repeats have been found to impair VCP function, disrupt proteostasis, and damage nerve cells, which can lead to the development of neurodegenerative disease. Research findings will make an important contribution to identifying the causes and developing strategies for treating these diseases. The paper can be accessed at https://academic.oup.com/brain/advance-article/doi/10.1093/brain/awab300/6372042