Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Increased Recovery Time and Decreased LPS Administration to Study the Vagus Nerve Stimulation Mechanisms in Limited Inflammatory Responses
Published on: March 29, 2017
Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targeting of the cGAS-STING Pathway in Central Nervous System Disorders
Xiangyu Cai1, Yi Bai1, Feiyu Ma1
1Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Joint Institute of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital for Life and Health, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210008, China.
Objective:
The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway is a core DNA-sensing axis in innate immunity and has been increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders. This review summarizes current knowledge of cGAS-STING signaling in CNS disorders and evaluates its therapeutic potential.
Methods:
Relevant studies on cGAS-STING signaling in CNS disorders were collected from PubMed and Web of Science, with emphasis on disease mechanisms, neuroinflammatory regulation, and pathway-targeted therapeutic strategies.
Results:
In the CNS, cGAS-STING signaling exhibits marked region-, cell-, and pathology-dependent heterogeneity. Aberrant DNA sensing activates this pathway and amplifies neuroinflammation, cellular stress, and tissue injury in Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), and ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Pharmacological inhibition of cGAS, cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP), or STING, together with emerging delivery strategies, has shown promise in preclinical models.
Discussion:
Clinical translation remains limited by incomplete validation of pathway specificity, limited human evidence, restricted brain delivery, and inconsistent efficacy assessment.
Conclusion:
The cGAS-STING pathway links aberrant DNA sensing to innate immune activation and CNS pathology. Clarifying its disease-, cell-, and stage-specific roles may support future targeted therapeutic strategies for CNS disorders.
Related Concept Videos
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacological Actions
At the neuromuscular junction, these agents work by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, allowing it to remain bound to the receptor and bind to nearby receptors. This process leads to repetitive firing of the endplate, causing muscle...
G Protein-coupled Receptors
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or serpentine receptors, and consist of seven (H1-H7) transmembrane alpha-helices that span the bilayer to form a cylindrical core. The transmembrane helices are connected by three extracellular loops and three...
GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity
Two...
Spasmolytic Agents: Chemical Classification
A major class of centrally acting spasmolytics is the α2-agonist, such as tizanidine. These drugs bind to α2-adrenoceptors, inhibiting the release of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. They also promote...
Parasympathetic Signaling
The effects of...

