Abstract
Cancer and Alzheimers disease (AD) are two common disorders for which the final pathophysiological mechanism is not yet clearly defined. In a prospective longitudinal study we have previously shown an inverse association between AD and cancer, such that the rate of developing cancer in general with time was significantly slower in participants with AD, while participants with a history of cancer had a slower rate of developing AD. In cancer, cell regulation mechanisms are disrupted with augmentation of cell survival and/or proliferation, whereas conversely, AD is associated with increased neuronal death, either caused by, or concomitant with, beta amyloid (Aβ) and tau deposition. The possibility that perturbations of mechanisms involved in cell survival/death regulation could be involved in both disorders is discussed. Genetic polymorphisms, DNA methylation or other mechanisms that induce changes in activity of molecules with key roles in determining the decision to “repair and live”- or “die” could be involved in the pathogenesis of the two disorders. As examples, the role of p53, Pin1 and the Wnt signaling pathway are discussed as potential candidates that, speculatively, may explain inverse associations between AD and cancer.
Keywords: Alzheimer, cancer, tumor suppressors, Pin1, Wnt signaling pathway
Current Alzheimer Research
Title: A Common Biological Mechanism in Cancer and Alzheimers Disease?
Volume: 6 Issue: 3
Author(s): M. I. Behrens, C. Lendon and C. M. Roe
Affiliation:
Keywords: Alzheimer, cancer, tumor suppressors, Pin1, Wnt signaling pathway
Abstract: Cancer and Alzheimers disease (AD) are two common disorders for which the final pathophysiological mechanism is not yet clearly defined. In a prospective longitudinal study we have previously shown an inverse association between AD and cancer, such that the rate of developing cancer in general with time was significantly slower in participants with AD, while participants with a history of cancer had a slower rate of developing AD. In cancer, cell regulation mechanisms are disrupted with augmentation of cell survival and/or proliferation, whereas conversely, AD is associated with increased neuronal death, either caused by, or concomitant with, beta amyloid (Aβ) and tau deposition. The possibility that perturbations of mechanisms involved in cell survival/death regulation could be involved in both disorders is discussed. Genetic polymorphisms, DNA methylation or other mechanisms that induce changes in activity of molecules with key roles in determining the decision to “repair and live”- or “die” could be involved in the pathogenesis of the two disorders. As examples, the role of p53, Pin1 and the Wnt signaling pathway are discussed as potential candidates that, speculatively, may explain inverse associations between AD and cancer.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Behrens I. M., Lendon C. and Roe M. C., A Common Biological Mechanism in Cancer and Alzheimers Disease?, Current Alzheimer Research 2009; 6 (3) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/156720509788486608
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/156720509788486608 |
Print ISSN 1567-2050 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5828 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
New Advances in the Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of Alzheimer's Disease
Aims and Scope: Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) poses a significant global health challenge, with an increasing prevalence that demands concerted efforts to advance our understanding and strategies for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. This thematic issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research and innovative approaches from multidisciplinary perspectives to address ...read more
Alzheimer's Disease Drug Development
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite decades of research, no cure or disease-modifying treatment is available yet. Therefore, the need for developing effective therapies to treat Alzheimer's disease is an urgent matter. This special issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of ...read more
Current updates on the Role of Neuroinflammation in Neurodegenerative Disorders
Neuroinflammation is an invariable hallmark of chronic and acute neurodegenerative disorders and has long been considered a potential drug target for Alzheimer?s disease (AD) and dementia. Significant evidence of inflammatory processes as a feature of AD is provided by the presence of inflammatory markers in plasma, CSF and postmortem brain ...read more
Deep Learning for Advancing Alzheimer's Disease Research
Alzheimer's disease (AD) poses a significant global health challenge, with an increasing number of individuals affected yearly. Deep learning, a subfield of artificial intelligence, has shown immense potential in various domains, including healthcare. This thematic issue of Current Alzheimer Research explores the application of deep learning techniques in advancing our ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Small Heat Shock Proteins (sHSPs) As Potential Drug Targets
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Mutagenic Approaches to Modifying Gap Junction Phenotype
Current Drug Targets Anti-Cancer Phytometabolites Targeting Cancer Stem Cells
Current Genomics Pharmacological Tools to Activate Microglia and their Possible use to Study Neural Network Patho-physiology
Current Neuropharmacology Evaluation of Variances in VEGF-A-D and VEGFR-1-3 Expression in the Ishikawa Endometrial Cancer Cell Line Treated with Salinomycin and Anti-Angiogenic/Lymphangiogenic Effect
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology ER Stress and Autophagy
Current Molecular Medicine Physiological and Pathological Functions of Acid-Sensing Ion Channels in the Central Nervous System
Current Drug Targets Meet Our Editorial Board Member
Current Medicinal Chemistry Lymphocytes in Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology: Altered Signaling Pathways
Current Alzheimer Research Patent Selections
Recent Patents on Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery Cancer T Cell Immunotherapy with Bispecific Antibodies and Chimeric Antigen Receptors
Recent Patents on Anti-Cancer Drug Discovery Post-Transcriptional and Post-translational Regulation of Central Carbon Metabolic Enzymes in Cancer
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Dual Targeting of Glioma U251 Cells with Nanoparticles Prevents Tumor Angiogenesis and Inhibits Tumor Growth
Current Neurovascular Research Turning Tumor-Promoting Copper into an Anti-Cancer Weapon via High-Throughput Chemistry
Current Medicinal Chemistry Recent Advances in Application of Poly-Epsilon-Caprolactone and its Derivative Copolymers for Controlled Release of Anti-Tumor Drugs
Current Cancer Drug Targets Aquaporin and Blood Brain Barrier
Current Neuropharmacology Modulation of Calcium Signaling in Glioblastoma Multiforme: A Therapeutic Promise for Natural Products
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry Molecular Pharmacology of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Challenges and Perspectives From Preclinical and Clinical Studies
Current Drug Targets Interaction of Endocannabinoid Receptors with Biological Membranes
Current Medicinal Chemistry Imaging of Hypoxia Using PET and MRI
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology