Brain Lipids in Synaptic Function and Neurological Disease: Clues to Innovative Therapeutic Strategies for Brain Disorders

Lipids are the most abundant organic compounds found in the brain, accounting for up to 50% of its dry weight. The brain lipidome includes several thousands of distinct biochemical structures whose expression may greatly vary according to age, gender, brain region, cell type, as well as subcellular localization. In synaptic membranes, brain lipids specifically interact with neurotransmitter receptors and control their activity. Moreover, brain lipids play a key role in the generation and neurotoxicity of amyloidogenic proteins involved in the pathophysiology of neurological diseases. The aim of this book is to provide for the first time a comprehensive overview of brain lipid structures, and to explain the roles of these lipids in synaptic function, and in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Creutzfeldt-Jakob’s and Parkinson’s. To conclude the book, the authors present new ideas that can drive innovative therapeutic strategies based on the knowledge of the role of lipids in brain disorders.

Written to provide a "hands-on" approach for readersBiochemical structures explained with molecular models, and molecular mechanisms explained with simple drawingsStep-by-step guide to memorize and draw lipid structuresEach chapter features a content summary, up-to-date references for additional study, and a key experiment with an explanation of the technique

Part I. Brain Lipids 1. Chemical basis of lipid biochemistry 2. Brain membranes 3. Lipid metabolism and oxidation in neurons and glial cells 4. Variations of brain lipid content

Part II. Brain Lipids and Synaptic Functions 5. A molecular view of the synapse 6. Protein-lipid interactions in the brain 7. Lipid regulation of receptor function

Part III. Brain Lipids and Neurodegenerative Disease 8. Common mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases 9. Creutzfeldt-Jakob’s disease 10. Parkinson’s disease 11. Alzheimer’s disease

Part IV. Brain Pathogens and Amyloidogenic Proteins: The Lipid Connection 12. Viral and bacterial diseases 13. A unifying theory 14. Therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases