Parkinsons and Movement Disorders

Molecular Neuroscience and Neurodegeneration

Molecular neuroscience is a branch of neuroscience that observes generalities in molecular biology which is useful to the nervous systems of animals. The scope of this topic includes mechanisms of molecular signaling in the nervous system, molecular neuroanatomy, the effects of genetics and epigenetics on neuronal development, and the molecular basis for neuroplasticity and neurodegenerative diseases. As with molecular biology, molecular neuroscience is a relatively new field that is considerably dynamic.

Neurodegeneration is the continuing loss of structure or function of neurons, including their death. Neurodegenerative disorders usually get worse over time and have no cure. They may be hereditary or be affected by a tumor or stroke. Many neurodegenerative diseases include amyotrophic multiple sclerosis, lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and prion diseases occur as a result of neurodegenerative processes. Such diseases are incurable, resulting in progressive degeneration of neurons.

Molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases include: