Humana Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases (Contemporary Clinical Neuroscience)

The field ofneurodegenerative diseases is undergoing an unprecedented revolution. The past decade has seen the identification of new mutation mecha nisms, such as triplet repeat expansions, and new genes causing familial forms of common neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Cellular and animal models based on this genetic information are now available and, importantly, common mechanisms are rapidly emerging among diseases that were once considered unrelated. The field is poised for the development of new therapies based on high throughput screenings and a bet ter understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to neurodegeneration. Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases reviews recent progress in this exploding field. By nature, such a book cannot be all inclu sive. It focuses on Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and CAG triplet repeat diseases. In the first chapter, Bill Klein reviews the role of A~ toxicity in the patho physiology of Alzheimer's disease. This controversial issue is further exam ined in the context of transgenic models of Alzheimer's disease by LaFerla and colleagues. Sue Griffin and Robert Mrak, and Caleb Finch and collabora tors, then examine the role of glial cells and inflammation in Alzheimer's disease; a review of the role of proteolysis in the generation of abnormal pro tein fragments by Hook and Mende-Mueller follows. Therapeutic opportuni ties offered by a better understanding of Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology are examined by Perry Molinoff and his colleagues at Bristol-Myers Squibb. Review "The reviews are well-written and well-edited so that they are accessible to both the researcher and non-researcher. The reviews examine a variety of current hypotheses as to the nature of neurodegeneration in a variety of conditions. . .This is a well-written book. Although no clear answers emerge, it shows the power of modern molecular methods in examining the underlying basis of these long baffling neurodegenerative disease. The practicing neurologist can only marvel at the power of the new molecular techniques that will soon reveal the underlying molecular basis of these disorders. This book clearly conveys the exciting advances that have already been made and hints at the advances that loom around the corner."-Doody's Health Sciences Book Review Journal From the Back Cover With the unprecedented identification of new mutation mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases and the emergence of common mechanisms among diseases that were once considered unrelated, neurobiologists are poised for the development of new therapies based on high throughput screenings and a better understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to neurodegeneration. In Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Marie-Francoise Chesselet, MD, PhD, and a panel of leading researchers and neurologists from industry and academia critically review the most recent advances from different yet complementary points of view. Focusing on Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and CAG triplet repeat diseases, the authors show how studies of cellular and genetically engineered animal models have enhanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and may lead to the development of new therapeutics. Topics include the role of Ab toxicity, glial cells, and inflammation in Alzheimer's disease; the formation of abnormal protein fragments across several diseases, the impact of dopamine and mitochondrial dysfunction on neurodegeneration; and the potential of genetics to identify the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. Authoritative and insightful, Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases synthesizes the novel ideas and concepts now emerging to create a fresh understanding of neurodegenerative disorders, one that promises to lead to powerful new therapies that prevent, delay