Figure 1: FOXO response to oxidative stress a) under normal conditions, wingless proteins (Wnt) inactivate GSK-3 through disheveled (dvl) and promote β-catenin accumulation in the nucleus, thus activating transcription factors of the T-cell factor family (TCF). (b) in the status of oxidative stress, Wnt is inhibited leading to the disinhibition of GSK-3, which in turn, promotes τ protein phosphorylation. The available β catenin now preferably binds to FOXO proteins, thus upregulating the transcription of genes. In the case of prolonged FOXO activity, apoptosis is initiated and leads to neuronal degeneration.