Neuronal death: where does the end begin?

摘要: Neurodegenerative disorders involve death of cell bodies, axons, dendrites and synapses, but it is surprisingly difficult to determine the spatiotemporal sequence events causal relationships among these events. Neuronal compartments often crucially depend upon one another for survival, molecular defects in compartment can trigger cellular degeneration distant parts neuron. Here, we consider novel approaches used understand biologically complex technically challenging questions amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease polyglutamine disorders. We conclude that there partial understanding what degenerates first why, controversy remains rule not exception. Finally, highlight strategies resolving fundamental issues.