Title:Pathogenic Role of Serine Protease HtrA2/Omi in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Volume: 18
Issue: 7
Author(s): Hui-Gwan Goo, Hyangshuk Rhim and Seongman Kang*
Affiliation:
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, 1, 5ka, Anam-dong, Sungbuk-gu, Seoul 136-701,Korea
Keywords:
Alzheimer's disease, apoptosis, HtrA2, HtrA2 interacting proteins, mitochondria, Parkinson’s disease, protein quality
control.
Abstract: High-temperature-requirement A2 (HtrA2)/Omi/PARK13 is a serine protease with extensive
homology to the Escherichia coli HtrAs that are required for bacterial survival at high temperatures.
The HtrA2 protein is a key modulator of mitochondrial molecular quality control but under
stressful conditions it is released into the cytosol, where it promotes cell death by various pathways,
including caspase-dependent pathway and ER stress-mediated apoptosis. Recently, the HtrA2 protein
has received great attention for its potential role in neurodegeneration. Here, we review the current
knowledge and pathophysiological functions of the HtrA2 protein in neurodegenerative disorders
such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
