Polyglutamine aggregation in huntington and related diseases

Abstract

Polyglutamine(polyQ)-expansions in differentproteins cause nine neurodegenerative diseases. While polyQ aggregation is a key pathological hallmark of these diseases, how aggregation relates to pathogenesis remains contentious. In this chapter, we review what is known about the aggregation process and how cells respond and interact with the polyQ-expanded proteins. We cover detailed biophysical and structural studies to uncover the intrinsic features of polyQ aggregates and concomitant effects in the cellular environment. We also examine the functional consequences of polyQ aggregation and how cells may attempt to intervene and guide the aggregation process. © 2012 Landes Bioscience and Sprin..