[New aspects of neuronal cell death: the molecular basis of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders].

During the past two decades, the fundamental mechanism of neuronal cell death has been explained by building on the knowledge obtained from studies of other cell types, such as immune cells and cancer cells. However, recent advances in biotechnology allow us to show much more detailed molecular mechanisms which can reveal characteristics of neuronal cell death distinguished from other cell types, and pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, that may help to develop treatment for various neurological disorders. Here, I will review the recent advances in the research on neuronal cell death associated with neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders focusing on the defect of DNA repair and of neuron-astrocyte metabolic interaction.