Endo-Lysosomal and Autophagy Pathway and Ubiquitin-Proteasome System in Mood Disorders: A Review Article

Abstract

Petala Matutino Santos,1 Giovanna Pereira Campos,1 Camila Nascimento2 1Center for Mathematics, Computing and Cognition (CMCC), Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Paulo, Brazil; 2Department of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, BrazilCorrespondence: Camila Nascimento, Department of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo Medical School, 785, Doutor Ovídio Pires de Campos Street, São Paulo, SP, Brazil, Tel [phone], Email [email protected]: Mood disorders are disabling conditions that cause significant functional impairment. Due to the clinical heterogeneity and complex nature of these disorders, diagnostic and treatment strategies face challenges. The etiology of mood disorders is multifactorial, involving genetic and environmental aspects that are associated with specific biological pathways including inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuroprotection. Alterations in these pathways may reduce the cell’s ability to recover from stress conditions occurring during mood episodes. The endo-lysosomal and autophagy pathway (ELAP) and the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) play critical roles in protein homeostasis, impacting neuroplasticity and neurodevelopment. Thus, emerging evidence has suggested a role for these pathways in mental disorders. In the case of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), a deeper understanding in the role of ELAP and UPS has been critical to discover new treatment targets. Since it is suggested that NDDs and mood disorders share clinical symptomatology and risk factors, it has been hypothesized that there might be common underlying molecular pathways. Here, we review the importance of the ELAP and UPS for the central nervous system and for mood disorders. Finally, we discuss potential translational strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder associated with these pathways.Keywords: mood disorders, endo-lysosomal pathway, ubiquitin-proteasome system, autophagy, endo-lysosome, neuroplasticity, novel treatments, treatment target, translational science

Keywords

• mood disorders
• endo-lysosomal pathway
• ubiquitin-proteasome system
• autophagy
• endo-lysosome
• neuroplasticity
• novel treatments
• treatment target
• translational science;