Navigating the Autophagy Maze: ATG and Their Impact on Neurodegenerative Diseases

Autophagy, a tightly regulated process essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis, plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). These disorders-marked by diverse mechanisms and clinical heterogeneity-pose significant challenges in developing effective therapies. Central to the autophagic machinery are autophagy-related genes (ATGs), whose functions and variants are increasingly recognized as pivotal in modulating disease-specific pathways. This review explores the intricate roles of ATGs in NDs, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of molecular signaling networks, protein-protein interactions, and regulatory checkpoints that may serve as therapeutic targets. We highlight recent advancements in disease modeling, autophagy assays, and biomarker identification that facilitate the translation of ATG-related discoveries into clinical practice. Furthermore, we underscore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration across academia, industry, clinical medicine, and regulatory bodies to harness the therapeutic potential of autophagy. This article aims to serve as a detailed roadmap for understanding the role of ATGs in NDs and to illuminate promising avenues for future research and therapeutic development.