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Navigating the Autophagy Maze: ATG and Their Impact on Neurodegenerative Diseases
Roshanak Amirian1,2, AmirHossein Merati1,2, Mehregan Babamohamadi3,4,2
1Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
Molecular Neurobiology
|December 6, 2025
Summary
Autophagy-related genes (ATGs) are crucial in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Understanding ATG functions offers new therapeutic targets for these challenging conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- Autophagy is vital for cellular homeostasis and implicated in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs).
- Neurodegenerative diseases present diverse mechanisms and clinical heterogeneity, complicating therapeutic development.
- Autophagy-related genes (ATGs) are central to autophagic processes and disease modulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the complex roles of autophagy-related genes (ATGs) in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs).
- To identify molecular signaling networks, protein-protein interactions, and regulatory checkpoints as potential therapeutic targets.
- To highlight advancements in disease modeling, assays, and biomarkers for clinical translation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on autophagy-related genes (ATGs) in neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis.
- Analysis of recent advancements in disease modeling and autophagy assays.
- Exploration of biomarker identification strategies.
Main Results:
- Autophagy-related genes (ATGs) play pivotal roles in modulating disease-specific pathways in neurodegenerative diseases.
- Understanding ATG functions, interactions, and regulation is key to developing targeted therapies.
- Recent advancements facilitate the translation of ATG-related research into clinical applications.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of ATGs is essential for advancing neurodegenerative disease therapeutics.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial to harness the therapeutic potential of autophagy.
- This review provides a roadmap for future research and therapeutic development in ATGs and neurodegenerative diseases.
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