[olsen]

Iduna protects the brain from glutamate excitotoxicity and stroke by interfering with poly(ADP-ribose) polymer-induced cell death

http://www.nature.com/nm/journal/vao...s/nm.2387.html
Shaida A Andrabi, Ho Chul Kang, Jean-François Haince, et al

Nature Medicine (2011) Published online 22 May 2011

Glutamate acting on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors induces neuronal injury following stroke, through activation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) and generation of the death molecule poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) polymer. Here we identify Iduna, a previously undescribed NMDA receptor–induced survival protein that is neuroprotective against glutamate NMDA receptor–mediated excitotoxicity both in vitro and in vivo and against stroke through interfering with PAR polymer–induced cell death (parthanatos). ... Iduna is protective in vivo against NMDA-induced excitotoxicity and middle cerebral artery occlusion–induced stroke in mice. To our knowledge, these results define Iduna as the first known endogenous inhibitor of parthanatos. Interfering with PAR polymer signaling could be a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of neurologic disorders.

[olsen]

Survival protein’ can help treat neuro-disorders


http://www.onlinenews.com.pk/details.php?id=179700

ISLAMABAD: A newly discovered "survival protein" protects the brain against the effects of stroke by interfering with a particular kind of brain cell death that is often found in cases of Parkinson’s disease and heart attack.

Scientists ...exploited the fact that when brain tissue is subjected to a stressful but not lethal effect, a defence response occurs that protects cells from subsequent effects.

The scientists dissected this preconditioning pathway to identify the most critical molecular players, one of which is the newly identified protein protector called Iduna...

.., the Iduna protein increased three-to four-fold in preconditioned mouse brain tissue, according to the scientists.

"Apparently, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger," says Valina Dawson...

"This protective response was broad in its defence of neurons and glia and blood vessels - the entire brain. It’s not just a delay of death, but real protection that lasts for about 72 hours," adds Dawson, according to a Johns Hopkins statement.

The team noted that Iduna works by interrupting a cascade of molecular events that result in a common and widespread type of brain cell death called parthanatos often found in cases of stroke, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and heart attack...