Dementia Japan 26:13-20, 2012

Paradigm shift of aggregation toxicity and therapeutics in polyglutamine diseases

Hitoshi Okazawa

Neuropathology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University

    The concept regarding aggregation-toxicity relationship has been changing in the research field of polyglutamine diseases.  The classical idea that inclusion body is toxic for neurons is now challenged, and accordingly strategies for therapeutics development should be reconsidered.  This review summarizes the history of aggregation toxicity and proposes new concept for developing novel therapeutics.

Address correspondence to Dr. Hitoshi Okazawa, Neuropathology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan)