Ubiquitin proteasome system networks in the neurological disorders

Human neurological disorders are associated with brain-enriched proteins in a major way. Homeostasis of such proteins is a critical event in brain functioning and development. Neuropathological studies of most common neurological disorders clearly show that accumulated, misfolded, mutant proteins are the preliminary causes for such disorders. Studies in the past few decades suggest that the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) network is a critical regulator of protein levels mammalian cells. To date, various proteins and substrates in UPS associated with neurological disorders have been identified, but molecular mechanisms and how they are associated with pathogenesis of neurological disorders are poorly understood. Understanding UPS network may set a new window to understand the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. Here we are reporting the current studies of UPS components in major neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, autistic spectrum disorders, Huntington's, and multiple sclerosis.