14-3-3 proteins in neurological disorders.

14-3-3 proteins were originally discovered as a family of proteins that are highly expressed in the brain. Through interactions with a multitude of binding partners, 14-3-3 proteins impact many aspects of brain function including neural signaling, neuronal development and neuroprotection. Although much remains to be learned and understood, 14-3-3 proteins have been implicated in a variety of neurological disorders based on evidence from both clinical and laboratory studies. Here we will review previous and more recent research that has helped us understand the roles of 14-3-3 proteins in both neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases.