Work

Translational enhancers of EAAT2: therapeutic implications for neurodegenerative disease

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: Glutamate excitotoxicity contributes to the neuronal injury and death associated with many neurodegenerative diseases. The glutamate transporter EAAT2, which is primarily localized on astrocytic processes, facilitates glutamate clearance from synapses, thus preventing neuronal damage. In this issue of the JCI, Kong et al. characterize a compound that upregulates EAAT2 translation, thereby increasing glutamate uptake by glial cells. Furthermore, this strategy for alleviating excitotoxicity was found to be beneficial in mouse models of both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and epilepsy, suggesting that future development in this chemical series may lead to much-needed treatments for these disorders.

Source: Journal of Clinical Investigation

DOI: 10.1172/jci74608

Authors: Allison S. Limpert, Nicholas D.P. Cosford

Language: English

Topic: Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: U.S. Department of Defense

Award: G4119534169