Computational mini-review mapping BAG-family protein interactors and enriched pathways across Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s transcriptomic data, identifying shared and distinct networks but without experimental validation.

By highlighting BAG-associated pathways tied to proteostasis, autophagy, and mitochondrial function, the paper generates network-level hypotheses and candidate targets that could guide follow-up functional studies for PD therapeutic discovery.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are the two most common neurodegenerative disorders. Within the scope of neurodegenerative disorders, the Bcl-2 associated athanogene (BAG) family proteins and associated interactors have been a key area of focus. The BAG family is a group of proteins that contain at least one evolutionarily conserved BAG domain. Despite this similarity, their interactions and functions can vary widely. So far, research has predominantly scrutinized individual BAG proteins, rather than explore potential cooperative actions among family members. Some BAG family members may function together thereby indicating potential interactions within this family. Although connections among BAG members have been observed, their role in neurodegenerative disorders, such as AD and PD, remains largely uncharacterized. This mini review explores the common pathways, intersections, and differences within these interactions as well as their link to AD and PD. Using computational techniques to mine transcriptomic data, several groupings of pathways that these BAG family members are involved in were identified in the context of AD and PD. Understanding these pathways and their relationships may uncover potential gaps in current research and help identify novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of these neurodegenerative diseases.