The Role of Autophagy in Neurodegenerative Disorders Recent Insights

Abstract

Neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases, pose significant challenges in healthcare due to their progressive nature and lack of effective treatments. The dysregulation of autophagy, a fundamental cellular process involved in the clearance of damaged organelles and proteins, has emerged as a pivotal contributor to the pathogenesis of these disorders. This review examines the intricate relationship between autophagy and neurodegeneration, emphasizing the mechanisms by which impaired autophagy leads to the accumulation of toxic protein aggregates, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuronal damage. Understanding the regulatory pathways governing autophagy and its interplay with disease-specific pathologies provides critical insights into potential therapeutic strategies. Modulating autophagic processes through pharmacological interventions targeting mTOR, AMPK, TFEB, and selective autophagy pathways holds promise in reducing neurotoxic aggregates and preserving neuronal function. However, translating these preclinical findings into effective clinical therapies necessitates overcoming translational challenges, refining precision medicine approaches, and conducting rigorous clinical trials. Addressing these complexities offers hope in harnessing autophagy modulation as a viable therapeutic avenue for managing neurodegenerative diseases.