Year: 2018
Type: article
Abstract: Minimotifs are modular contiguous peptide sequences in proteins that are important for posttranslational modifications, binding to other molecules, and trafficking to specific subcellular compartments. Some molecular functions of proteins in cellular pathways can be predicted from minimotif consensus sequences identified through experimentation. While a role for minimotifs in regulating signal transduction and gene regulation during disease pathogenesis (such as infectious diseases and cancer) is established, the therapeutic use of minimotif mimetic drugs is limited. In this review, we discuss a general theme identifying a pervasive role of minimotifs in the pathomechanism of neurodegenerative diseases. Beyond their longstanding history in the genetics of familial neurodegeneration, minimotifs are also major players in neurotoxic protein aggregation, aberrant protein trafficking, and epigenetic regulation. Generalizing the importance of minimotifs in neurodegenerative diseases offers a new perspective for the future study of neurodegenerative mechanisms and the investigation of new therapeutics.
Authors: Surbhi Sharma, Richard J. Young, Jingchun Chen, Xiangning Chen, Edwin C. Oh, Martin R. Schiller
Institution: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,540
Funders: Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Cleveland Clinic, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, U.S. National Library of Medicine
OpenAlex ID: W2883483761