Oligomeropathies, inflammation and prion protein binding

The central role of oligomers, small soluble aggregates of misfolded proteins, in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders is recognized in numerous experimental conditions and is compatible with clinical evidence. To underline this concept, some years ago we coined the term oligomeropathies to define the common mechanism of action of protein misfolding diseases like Alzheimer, Parkinson or prion diseases. Using simple experimental conditions, with direct application of synthetic beta amyloid or alpha-synuclein oligomers intraventricularly at micromolar concentrations, we could detect differences and similarities in the biological consequences. The two oligomer species affected cognitive behavior, neuronal dysfunction and cerebral inflammatory reactions with distinct mechanisms. In these experimental conditions the proposed mediatory role of cellular prion protein in oligomer activities was not confirmed. Together with oligomers, inflammation at different levels can be important early in neurodegenerative disorders; both beta amyloid and alpha-synuclein oligomers induce inflammation and its control strongly affects neuronal dysfunction. This review summarizes our studies with beta-amyloid or alpha-synuclein oligomers, also considering the potential curative role of doxycycline, a well-known antibiotic with anti-amyloidogenic and anti-inflammatory activities. These actions are analyzed in terms of the therapeutic prospects.

Automated summary

Oligomers play a central role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, and inflammation also plays an important role in this process. This review summarizes the studies on β-amyloid and α-synuclein oligomers and discusses the potential therapeutic role of the broad-spectrum antibiotic doxycycline.