Histone deacetylase as a potential therapeutic target for memory dysfunction during aging and neurodegenerative...

Brain aging is a natural biological process characterized by gradual structural, molecular, and functional changes in the brain over time. Aging is the major risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases characterized by progressive neuronal loss, cognitive decline, and impaired motor function. In recent years, growing evidence has highlighted the importance of epigenetic regulation in the development and progression of these disorders. Among these epigenetic regulators, histone deacetylases (HDACs) have emerged as critical modulators of gene expression and neuronal function. Dysregulation of HDAC activity has been increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. Abnormal HDAC expression or activity can alter transcription of genes involved in neuronal survival and synaptic integrity, which leads to neuronal dysfunction and degeneration. Pharmacological inhibition of HDAC activity has been shown to restore histone acetylation levels, enhance the expression of neuroprotective genes, and improve synaptic plasticity in various experimental models.