Review article

The study of neurodegenerative diseases on yeast model

Josip Škara ; Zavod za kemiju i biokemiju, Medicinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Rijeci, Rijeka
Sergej Nadalin ; Zavod za biologiju i medicinsku genetiku, Medicinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Rijeci, Rijeka
Alena Buretić-Tomljanović ; Zavod za biologiju i medicinsku genetiku, Medicinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Rijeci, Rijeka
Branka Blagović ; Zavod za kemiju i biokemiju, Medicinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Rijeci, Rijeka

Abstract

This paper describes the possible mechanisms involved in the development of the most common neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s), with special emphasis on the research of their etiopathogenesis and modern therapeutic methods, conducted on yeast as a model organism.The simplicity of experimental approach, high degree of conservation of metabolic pathways from higher eukaryotes and the relative simplicity of genome, proteome and lipids, make yeast an ideal model organism for the study of homeostasis and function of proteins and lipids, including in neurodegenerative diseases. Yeast is a much simpler yet complete biological system in which basic research of various influences – both genetic and environmental – can be carried out in faster, cheaper and ethically more acceptable manner compared with animal models. Given that recent studies discovered disordered mitochondrial dynamics in these diseases, the paper also elaborates the role of mitochondria in the possible etiopathogenesis of different neurodegenerative processes. Another common feature of neurodegenerative diseases is disturbed homeostasis of membrane proteins and lipids. Because of the increasing evidence of lipid importance for normal functioning of the membranous systems, the paper presents the mechanisms of action of membrane lipids. Finally, since lipid metabolism is very complex, we describe differences in the main metabolic lipid pathways between mammals and yeasts.

Keywords

membrane lipids; membrane proteins; mitochondria; neurodegenerative diseases; yeasts

Hrčak ID:

152932

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/152932

Publication date:

1.3.2016.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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