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“Loss of mitochondrial function often leads to neurodegeneration and is thought to be one of the underlying

causes of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease PFTα mouse (PD). However, the precise events linking mitochondrial dysfunction to neuronal death remain elusive. PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) and Parkin (Park), either of which, when mutated, are responsible for early-onset PD, mark individual mitochondria for destruction at the mitochondrial outer membrane. The specific molecular pathways that regulate signaling between the nucleus and mitochondria to sense mitochondrial dysfunction under normal physiological conditions are not well understood. Here, we show that Drosophila Clueless (Clu), a highly conserved protein required for normal mitochondrial function,

can associate with Translocase of the outer membrane (TOM) 20, Porin and PINK1, and is thus located at the mitochondrial outer membrane. Previously, we found that clu genetically interacts with park in Drosophila female germ cells. Here, we show that clu also genetically interacts with PINK1, and our epistasis analysis places clu downstream of PINK1 and upstream of park. In addition, Clu forms a complex with PINK1 and Park, further supporting that Clu links mitochondrial function with the PINK1-Park pathway. Lack of Clu causes PINK1 and Park to interact with each other, and clu mutants have decreased check details BEZ235 in vitro mitochondrial protein levels, suggesting that Clu can act as a negative regulator of the PINK1-Park pathway. Taken together, these

results suggest that Clu directly modulates mitochondrial function, and that Clu’s function contributes to the PINK1-Park pathway of mitochondrial quality control.”
“Purpose: Landau-Kleffner syndrome (LKS) is a rare entity characterized by epilepsy and aphasia. It occurs in previously normal children, usually between three and seven years of age. The long-term outcome of LKS is not completely clear. The aim of this study is to verify the long-term follow-up of a group of patients with LKS, focusing on clinical and electroencephalographic (EEG) aspects, and quality of life. Methods: This was a transversal study. Between November 2006 and April 2007 seven patients with previous diagnosis of LKS were interviewed. They had had a follow-Lip of three to 16 years after their disease onset. They were all males between the ages of eight and 27 years old. All patients had normal MRI. Parents and/or patients were interviewed by one of the authors using a structured questionnaire. The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, the Conner’s Rating Scales – Revised, and Short-Form Health Survey (SF 36) were used. Each patient had a prolonged interictal EEG recording. All patients had normal MRI. Results: The present investigation revealed that two patients still have seizures several years after epilepsy onset.