Valosin-containing protein (VCP): structure, functions, and implications in neurodegenerative diseases

Valosin-containing protein (VCP) is a hexameric protein belonging to the type II AAA+ (ATPases Associated with diverse cellular Activities) protein family. VCP governs multiple cellular processes and its diverse functions are determined by its interaction with a wide variety of partners and cofactors. Recently, mutations in VCP were suggested to cause inclusion body myopathy associated with Paget disease of bone and frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease. However, the pathogenic mechanisms of VCP mutations in these diseases are still largely unknown. In this review, we summarize the structure and cellular functions of VCP, especially focusing on apoptosis and two major cellular degradation pathways, the ubiquitin-proteasome system and autophagy. We also list the representative VCP mutations and discuss their potential association with neurodegenerative diseases.