Autophagy system as a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases

Autophagy is an evolutionally conserved process by which cytoplasmic contents including protein aggregates and damaged organelles such as mitochondria and lysosomes, are sequestered by double-membrane structure, autophagosomes, and delivered to the lysosomes for degradation. Recently, considerable efforts have been made to reveal the role of autophagy in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. Impairment of autophagy aggravates the accumulation of misfolded protein and damaged organelles in neurons, while sufficient autophagic activity reduces such accumulation in nervous system and ameliorates the pathology. Here we summarize recent progress regarding the role of autophagy in several neurodegenerative diseases and the potential autophagy-associated therapies for them.

Automated summary

Autophagy is a process that involves the sequestration and degradation of cytoplasmic contents, including protein aggregates and damaged organelles. Impairment of autophagy exacerbates neurodegenerative diseases, while sufficient autophagic activity can ameliorate the pathology. This article summarizes recent progress in understanding the role of autophagy in neurodegenerative diseases and the potential therapies associated with autophagy.