Potential therapeutic target for aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases: the role of acid sphingomyelinase

Abstract

Age-related neurodegenerative diseases: role of enzyme crucial to membrane function Targeting a critical enzyme involved in the metabolism of cellular membrane molecules could help treat age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Aging is a key risk factor for the development of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Changes to the metabolism of sphingolipids, a group of bioactive cell membrane molecules, are recognised as a potential trigger of neurodegeneration. Abnormal expression levels of an enzyme called acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), which is involved in sphingolipid metabolism, have been found in patients with age-related diseases. Jae-sung Bae and co-workers at Kyungpook National University in Daegu, South Korea, reviewed research into ASM’s role in these conditions. ASM levels increase with stress, bacterial infections and age. Studies on mice suggest high levels of ASM in plasma may disrupt the blood-brain barrier. The team highlight the therapeutic potential of ASM inhibition.