The multifaceted functions of ß-arrestins and their therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative diseases.

ABSTRACT

Arrestins are multifunctional proteins that regulate G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) desensitization, signaling, and internalization. The arrestin family consists of four subtypes visual arrestin1, ß-arrestin1, ß-arrestin2, and visual arrestin-4. Recent studies have revealed the multifunctional roles of ß-arrestins beyond GPCR signaling, including scaffolding and adapter functions, and physically interacting with non-GPCR receptors. Increasing evidence suggests that ß-arrestins are involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and Parkinson's disease (PD). ß-arrestins physically interact with γ-secretase, leading to increased production and accumulation of amyloid-beta in AD. Furthermore, ß-arrestin oligomers inhibit the autophagy cargo receptor p62/SQSTM1, resulting in tau accumulation and aggregation in FTD. In PD, ß-arrestins are upregulated in postmortem brain tissue and an MPTP model, and the ß2AR regulates SNCA gene expression. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of ß-arrestin1 and ß-arrestin2, and describe their physiological functions and roles in neurodegenerative diseases. The multifaceted roles of ß-arrestins and their involvement in neurodegenerative diseases suggest that they may serve as promising therapeutic targets.