Abstract.
The function of neurofilaments, the major component in large myelinated neurons, is not well understood even though they were discovered as structures over 100 years ago. Recent studies have suggested that neuro-filaments are closely related to many neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson disease Alzheimer disease, and diabetes. Using in vitro assays, cultures and transgenic mice, these studies provided new insights into neurofilament function. The function of each subunit, the relationship of neurofilaments with other cytoskeletal elements and their clinical significance are topics of increasing attention.
Key words. Alzheimer disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cytoskeleton, glycosylation, neurofilament proteins, phosphorylation, transgenic mice, Parkinson disease
Footnotes
Received 22 June 2004; received after revision 4 August 2004; accepted 19 August 2004