Question

In your own words state why the diseases that generally result from dysfunctional secretory pathway proteins are neurological disorders? In your answer explain the goal of the secretory pathway as you understand it and how it impacts neuronal function.

Answer 1

The secretory pathways mainly involves the cell organelles Endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus where the ER is involved and in assembly of protein and golgi in the transport or secretory pathways where the proteins are delivered to various destinations inside and outside the cell.

A dysfunction in the secretory pathway means that there is a hinderance in this regulated system of the cell.In neurons these are essential for the proper synaptic transmission of signals and also is involved in the stability and integrity of the neuronal membranes.Hence when there is a disturbance in functioning of this pathway will result in neurodegenration and accumulation of various metabolites resulting in neurological disorders.

An example is the neurodegenrative disorder Amylotrpic lateral sclerosis where there is axonal dysfunction and protein aggregation and other factors which is a result of impairement in the secretory pathways in these cells.