The Role of Post-Translational Protein Acetylation and Deacetylation in the Apoptosis of Neurons of the Peripheral Nervous System

Abstract

Neurotrauma is among the main causes of human disability and mortality. However, the mechanisms that mediate the survival and death of cells in the peripheral nervous system are still not fully understood. The transcription factors p53 and E2F1 are the master regulators of basic cellular functions, including DNA repair, cell cycle, metabolism, and apoptosis. Overexpression of p53 and E2F1, shown in a number of experimental models of peripheral nerve injury, suggests an important role of these proteins in the pathogenesis of neurotrauma. This review discusses the epigenetic mechanisms of p53 and E2F1 activation and regulation, which may contribute to the survival or death of neurons and glial cells after traumatic injury. Prospects for further studies of the mechanisms of regulation of the p53 and E2F1 proteins, including those involving histone deacetylases, for the development of neuroprotectors are considered.