Abstract:

 The molecular chaperones and the manipulation of the UPR pathways have exciting therapeutic potential as neuroprotectants at the cellular level for a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, the importance of endoplasmic reticulum chaperones in regulating the production and homeostasis of neurotrophic factors through autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine signaling is worth pursuing. Furthermore, the implications of ER chaperone manipulation in the development and regeneration of neurons in the retina as well as other neural systems is potentially a very promising area for future study. All in all, in-depth understanding of the functions, in particular the neuroprotective potential, of ER chaperones in healthy and stressed neural tissues may provide an intriguing approach in managing multiple disease types to preserve long-term functionality.