Induced-pluripotent stem cells and neuroproteomics as tools for studying neurodegeneration.

The investigation of neurodegenerative diseases advanced significantly with the advent of cell-reprogramming technology, leading to the creation of new models of human illness. These models, derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), facilitate the study of sporadic as well as hereditary diseases and provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved with neurodegeneration. Through proteomics, a quantitative tool capable of identifying thousands of proteins from small sample volumes, researchers have attempted to identify disease mechanisms by detecting differentially expressed proteins and proteoforms in disease models, biofluids, and postmortem brain tissue. The integration of these two technologies allows for the identification of novel pathological targets within the realm of neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we highlight studies from the past 5 years on the contributions of iPSCs within neuroproteomic investigations, which uncover the molecular mechanisms behind these illnesses.

The Roles of hnRNP Family in the Brain and Brain-Related Disorders.

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) belong to a complex family of RNA-binding proteins that are essential to control alternative splicing, mRNA trafficking, synaptic plasticity, stress granule formation, cell cycle regulation, and axonal transport. Over the past decade, hnRNPs have been associated with different brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and schizophrenia. Given their essential role in maintaining cell function and integrity, it is not surprising that dysregulated hnRNP levels lead to neurological implications. This review aims to explore the primary functions of hnRNPs in neurons, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and astrocytes, and their roles in brain disorders. We also discuss proteomics and other technologies and their potential for studying and evaluating hnRNPs in brain disorders, including the discovery of new therapeutic targets and possible pharmacological interventions.