Repressor Element 1 Silencing Transcription Factor as a central regulator of autophagy and neuroinflammation in...

Repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor (REST) is a critical epigenetic regulator involved in multiple cellular processes, including apoptosis, autophagy, and neuronal survival. By modulating the expression of neuronal and stress-response genes, REST contributes significantly to neuroprotection. REST is predominantly localised in the nucleus; however, in Alzheimer's Disease (AD), nuclear REST is reduced, leading to transcriptional dysregulation and contributing to AD pathology. The low levels of REST are associated with defective autophagy flux, including mitochondrial dysfunction and enhanced vulnerability to toxic protein aggregates, causing AD and other neurodegenerative disorders. Recent research shows that REST suppresses several apoptotic genes, modulating neuroinflammatory signalling and regulates autophagy. The specific regulatory mechanism of REST suggests new strategies for the prevention and treatment of AD and ageing. Despite REST's unique functions and importance in AD, its precise role and the molecular mechanisms underlying REST-mediated signalling pathways have not been comprehensively reviewed. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the structural and functional characteristics of REST, explore the mechanisms underlying REST-mediated autophagy, neuroinflammation and apoptosis in AD and discuss the emerging therapeutic implications of targeting REST.