Molecular chaperones in the mammalian brain: regional distribution, cellular compartmentalization and synaptic interactions

Wyttenbach, Andreas, Quraishe, Shmma, Bailey, Joanne and O’Connor, Vincent (2011) Molecular chaperones in the mammalian brain: regional distribution, cellular compartmentalization and synaptic interactions. In, Wyttenbach, Andreas and O'Connor, Vincent (eds.) Folding for the Synapse. Part III. New York, US. Springer, pp. 123-144. (doi:10.1007/978-1-4419-7061-9_7).

Abstract

The expression of molecular chaperones in the human central nervous system (CNS) is not well explored although they regulate key aspects of neuronal functions and likely play crucial roles during chronic neurodegeneration associated with protein misfolding. Current data suggest a rather complex expression profile with a distinct distribution to brain regions and cell types that are further modulated under stress. Synapses represent a particular folding environment due to the many and highly regulated protein interactions that occur in relative isolation. Despite the synaptic localization of several chaperones and proteins with identifiable chaperone modality, we argue that additional synaptic chaperones and chaperone pathways exist that may regulate the synaptic protein homeostasis during protein folding and re-folding. Given the early synapse dysfunction and alterations of chaperone function that occur during CNS diseases associated with protein misfolding, we suggest that further efforts should be made to better define and understand the synaptic “chaperome”.

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Contributors

Author: Shmma Quraishe

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