Defensive reactions against intrinsic stresses

Abstract

Drug development for Alzheimer’s disease faces immense challenge with hundreds of failed clinical trials, and the amyloid β-protein- or Aβ-centric hypothesis is under heated debate. Cells react to environmental cues and stresses to better adapt to external milieu. However, how various organisms respond to intrinsic stresses is not fully explored. Here we propose that cells initiate a defensive response toward intrinsic stress which can be positive, negative or mixed on the host. Experiments on cellular responses to endogenous stresses could yield insight into this hypothesis. The interrogation on hydrogen bonding, secondary chemical bonding to divalent cations and their antagonism can advance biochemical understandings in this regard. Pertinent study will further our knowledge on the etiology of human disorders.