Cellular Cysteine Network and Neurodegeneration

Abstract

Oxidative stress is strongly linked to neurodegeneration and oxidative species can modify many amino acids and proteins in the brain. Cysteine amino acid is most susceptible to oxidative post-translational modifications (PTMs). Reversible or irreversible cysteine PTMs can cause dyshomeostasis, which further continued to cellular damage. Many cysteine dependent proteins and many non-proteins using cysteine as their structural components are affected by oxidative stress. Several cysteine dependent enzymes are acting as antioxidants. Cysteine is a major contributor to glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) synthesis. Cysteine precursor N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplementation is proven as a potent free radical scavenger and increase brain antioxidants and subsequently potentiates the natural antioxidant cellular defense mechanism. Thus, in this chapter, the authors explore the linkage of cellular cysteine networks and neurodegenerative disorders.