TXNIP and Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Effect on Nlrp3 Inflammasome Acivation and Neurodegeneration

Mitochondrial dysfunction characterizes several neurodegenerative diseases. Several data demonstrate that altered mitochondria dynamics and function activate the NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, leading to neuroinflammation and participating to the neurodegenerative process. Thioredoxin Interacting Protein (TXNIP) the inhibitor of the ROS scavenger Thioredoxin, plays a key role on NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and activation. Indeed, TXNIP links the oxidative stress to the inflammasome activation. However, only recent studies investigated the role of TXNIP-promoted mitochondrial dysfunction on NLRP3 activation and the effect on the progression of neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system. In this mini review, we summarize the recent studies demonstrating the role of TXNIP-NLRP3 axis on the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that TXNIP-NLRP3 may be considered a therapeutic target.