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Insulin and Autophagy in Neurodegeneration

Natália Prudente de Mello1, Ana Maria Orellana2, Caio Henrique Mazucanti2

  • 1Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Neurobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.

Frontiers in Neuroscience
|June 25, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Insulin resistance and impaired autophagy are linked in metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. Modulating these pathways, especially autophagy, may offer new therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Neurobiology
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • Metabolic diseases and neurodegenerative disorders share common pathophysiological pathways.
  • Impaired insulin signaling and autophagy are key factors in both conditions.
  • Understanding this crosstalk is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of insulin signaling/resistance and autophagy in neurodegenerative diseases.
  • To discuss potential pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions targeting these pathways.
  • To highlight the time-dependent nature of therapeutic responses in autophagy modulation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on insulin signaling, autophagy, and neurodegeneration.
  • Analysis of studies investigating the interplay between metabolic and neurological health.
  • Synthesis of current research on therapeutic interventions.

Main Results:

  • Insulin resistance and autophagy dysfunction are consistently observed in neurodegenerative conditions.
  • Pharmacological and genetic strategies targeting insulin and autophagy pathways show promise for protein aggregate clearance.
  • The efficacy of these interventions is often dependent on timing and specific pathway modulation.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting insulin signaling and autophagy presents a potential therapeutic avenue for neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Further research into the time-dependent regulation of autophagy is warranted for drug development.
  • A comprehensive approach considering both metabolic and neurological factors is essential.
Keywords:
autophagyinsulinneurodegenerative diseasesobesitytype 2 diabetes

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