THE NEURONAL CELL CYCLE AS A MECHANISM OFPATHOGENESIS IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Abstract

Differentiated neurons display specific biochemical, physiological and morphological properties that apparently prevent them from further cell division. Nevertheless, expression ofcell cycle modulators persists after neuronal differentiation and is upregulated under stressconditions, such as trophic factor deprivation, oxidative stress and the presence of DNAdamaging agents. This apparent reactivation of the cell cycle has been postulated as a sinequa non for neuronal death in response to those stress conditions, particularly in Alzheimer’s disease. However, the physiological and pathogenic implications of a putativeneuronal cell cycle are far from clear. Here, we discuss the notion of the neuronal cell cycleas a mediator of cell death in Alzheimer’s disease.