Calpain-1 and calpain-2 in the brain: Dr. Jekill and Mr Hyde?

Calpain-1 and calpain-2 in the brain: Dr. Jekill and Mr Hyde? Curr Neuropharmacol. 2019 Feb 27;: Authors: Baudry M Abstract While the calpain system has now been discovered for over 50 years, there is still a paucity of information regarding the organization and functions of the signaling pathways regulated by these proteases, although calpains play critical roles in many cell functions. Moreover, calpain overactivation has been shown to be involved in numerous diseases. Among the 15 calpain isoforms identified, calpain-1 (aka ยต-calpain) and calpain-2 (aka m-calpain) are ubiquitously distributed in most tissues and organs, including the brain. We have recently proposed that calpain-1 and calpain-2 play opposite functions in the brain, with calpain-1 activation being required for triggering synaptic plasticity and neuroprotection (Dr. Jekill), and calpain-2 limiting the extent of plasticity and being neurodegenerative (Mr. Hyde). Calpain-mediated cleavage has been observed in cytoskeleton proteins, membrane-associated proteins, receptors/channels, scaffolding/anchoring proteins, and protein kinases and phosphatases. This review will focus on the signaling pathways related to local protein synthesis, cytoskeleton regulation and neuronal survival/death regulated by calpain-1 and calpain-2, in an attempt to explain the origin of the opposite functions of these 2 calpain isoforms. This will be followed by a discussion of the potential th...
Source: Current Neuropharmacology - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tags: Curr Neuropharmacol Source Type: research