title: Glutamate and Mitochondria: Two Prominent Players in the Oxidative Stress-Induced Neurodegeneration.
abstract: The aetiology of major neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) is still unknown, but increasing evidences suggest that glutamate and mitochondria are two prominent players in the oxidative stress (OS) process that underlie these illnesses. Although AD and PD have distinct pathological and clinical features, OS is a common mechanism contributing to neuronal damage. Glutamate is an important neurotransmitter in neurons and glial cells and is strongly dependent on calcium homeostasis and on mitochondrial function. In the present work we focused on glutamate- induced calcium signaling and its relation to the mitochondrial dysfunction with cell death processes. In addition, we have discussed how alterations in this pathway may lead or aggravate the neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, this review aims to stimulate further studies on this issue and thereby engage a new perspective regarding the design of possible therapeutic agents or the identification of biomarkers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Viale Luigi Pinto 1, Foggia 71100, Italy. tommaso.cassano@unifg.it.
authors.forename: Tommaso
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cassano
authors.forename: Lorenzo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pace
authors.forename: Gaurav
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bedse
authors.forename: Angelo Michele
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Lavecchia
authors.forename: Federico
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: De Marco
authors.forename: Silvana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gaetani
authors.forename: Gaetano
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Serviddio
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018698:Glutamic Acid / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism*; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000378:metabolism*; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D018698:Glutamic Acid