Yeast Models and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of age-related diseases and a growing problem in an aging society. In addition to major neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases, there are numerous rare and even ultra-rare ones. These diseases are a consequence of diverse pathological genetic and physiological alterations in cells but manifest by common dysfunctions of the central or peripheral nervous systems. Interestingly, in a group of genes linked to neurodegenerative diseases, the genes affecting mitochondria are overrepresented [1]. Moreover, even though the primary mutation does not affect mitochondria directly, the mitochondria are often disturbed. This probably indicates that because of high demand for ATP, mitochondria are crucial for neurons. In the group of genes affecting the mitochondria are also those that code for proteins responsible for the formation or functioning of membrane contact sites (MCSs) between the mitochondria and other organelles [2,3,4,5]. MCSs are sites of inter-organellar communication with various functions, such as lipid and metabolite exchange, organelle dynamics, positioning, distribution, and clearance. MCSs between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are also especially important for maintaining calcium ion (Ca2+) homeostasis. Thus, mitochondrial MCSs disturbance affects mitochondrial biogenesis and functions.