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Prospects & Overviews
A novel target for Huntington's disease: ERK at the crossroads of signaling
The ERK signaling pathway is implicated in Huntington's disease and its upregulation ameliorates pathology
Article first published online: 16 NOV 2011
DOI: 10.1002/bies.201100116
Copyright © 2012 WILEY Periodicals, Inc.
Additional Information
How to Cite
Bodai, L. and Marsh, J. L. (2012), A novel target for Huntington's disease: ERK at the crossroads of signaling. Bioessays, 34: 142–148. doi: 10.1002/bies.201100116
Publication History
- Issue published online: 11 JAN 2012
- Article first published online: 16 NOV 2011
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Keywords:
- ERK;
- Huntington's disease;
- MAP kinase;
- neurodegenerative disorders;
- polyglutamine
Abstract
Activating the ERK pathway (extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway) has proven beneficial in several models of Huntington's disease (HD), and drugs that are protective in HD models have recently been found to activate ERK. Thus, the ERK cascade may be a potential target for therapeutic intervention in this currently untreatable disorder. HD is caused by an expanded polyglutamine repeat in the huntingtin (Htt) protein that actuates a diverse set of pathogenic mechanisms. In response to mutant Htt, ERK is activated and directs a protective transcriptional response and inhibits caspase activation. Paradoxically, Htt also interferes with several signaling events of the ERK pathway. Mutant Htt compromises the ERK-dependent transcriptional response to corticostriatal BDNF signaling. Mutant Htt also hinders glutamate uptake from the synaptic cleft by down-regulating ERK-dependent expression of glutamate transporters, leaving cells vulnerable to excitotoxicity. Some of this cellular complexity can be capitalized on to achieve selective activation of ERK, which can be protective.