Neuronal self-destruction and neurodegenerative diseases

During embryonic development, axons are produced in excess and then decrease in number through a degenerative mechanism. The molecular basis of this degeneration is still poorly understood. Previous studies have suggested that the mechanisms of axonal degeneration are very different from those that lead to the death of the neurons themselves. However, more recent studies suggest the involvement of a canonical cell death module involving Bax and effector caspases, albeit with some minor differences. The mechanisms that trigger axonal degeneration, upstream of this module, were also presented, with particular emphasis on the involvement of axonal guidance molecules. The conference concluded with a discussion of a mechanism of degeneration in the embryo, involving the amyloid precursor protein, a causative factor in Alzheimer's disease. This finding suggests that degeneration in the embryo and in adulthood may involve similar mechanisms. These recent discoveries provide new avenues to explore in the search for new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.