A network approach to clinical intervention in neurodegenerative diseases

Jose A Santiago; Judith A Potashkin

doi:10.1016/j.molmed.2014.10.002

A network approach to clinical intervention in neurodegenerative diseases

Trends Mol Med. 2014 Dec;20(12):694-703. doi: 10.1016/j.molmed.2014.10.002. Epub 2014 Oct 30.

Authors

Jose A Santiago¹, Judith A Potashkin²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064-3037, USA.
² Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064-3037, USA. Electronic address: judy.potashkin@rosalindfranklin.edu.

PMID: 25455073
DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2014.10.002

Abstract

Network biology has become a powerful tool to dissect the molecular mechanisms triggering neurodegeneration. Recent developments in network biology have led to the discovery of disease-causing genes, diagnostic biomarkers, and therapeutic targets for several neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases. Network-based approaches have provided the molecular rationale for the relationship among cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases, and have uncovered unexpected links between apparently unrelated diseases. Here, we summarize the recent advances in network biology to untangle the molecular underpinnings giving rise to the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases. We propose that network analysis provides a feasible and practical tool for identifying biologically meaningful biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for clinical intervention in neurodegenerative diseases.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; Parkinson's disease; network biology; neurodegenerative diseases.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
Review

MeSH terms

Alzheimer Disease / drug therapy*
Alzheimer Disease / genetics
Animals
Disease Models, Animal
Humans
Parkinsonian Disorders / drug therapy*
Parkinsonian Disorders / genetics
Systems Biology / methods*