The Role of Synaptic Autophagy in Neurodegeneration: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities

Abstract

This review explores the critical role of synaptic autophagy in neurodegeneration, highlighting its mechanisms and potential therapeutic avenues.Neurons rely on synapses for efficient communication and information processing, with autophagy serving as a vital cellular process for maintaining synaptic integrity under various physiological conditions.The review discusses the different forms of autophagy, macroautophagy, microautophagy, and chaperone-mediated autophagy and their influence on synaptogenesis, synaptic elimination, and overall synaptic transmission.We examine the relationship between impaired autophagic activity and the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, which are associated with decreased synaptic function due to disrupted protein turnover and organelle quality control.Furthermore, the involvement of key signaling pathways, including the mTOR pathway, in regulating autophagy and synaptic health is discussed.By elucidating the interplay between autophagy and synaptic dynamics, this review underscores the potential of targeting autophagy-related pathways as a therapeutic strategy in neurodegenerative diseases, offering insights into the mechanisms underlying synaptic dysfunction and the broader implications for neuronal health.