Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis: molecular basis and therapeutical strategies.
Transthyretin (TTR) is a transport protein for thyroid hormones and vitamin A and might have an important role in the nervous system. However, TTR can undergo a conformational change and form amyloid fibrils, in both acquired and hereditary forms of systemic amyloidosis. More than 80 TTR mutations have been associated with autosomal dominant amyloidosis, usually presenting with peripheral and autonomic neuropathy and/or cardiomyopathy. Major areas of research in TTR amyloidosis include: molecular mechanisms leading to fibril formation; mechanisms of fibril-induced cell death; modulators of phenotypic expression of the disease; and therapeutic strategies.
Amyloid Unit, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Porto, R. Campo Alegre, 823. 4150-180 Porto, Portugal. mjsaraiv@ibmc.up.pt
Maria João Mascarenhas
MJ
Saraiva
D000682:Amyloid / Q000378:metabolism; D028226:Amyloidosis, Familial / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D016923:Cell Death; D019281:Dimerization; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000639:trends; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008958:Models, Molecular; D009154:Mutation; D010641:Phenotype; D011228:Prealbumin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011487:Protein Conformation
D000682:Amyloid; D011228:Prealbumin