Synaptic Secretion and Beyond: Targeting Synapse and Neurotransmitters to Treat Neurodegenerative Diseases

Abstract

The nervous system is important, because it regulates the physiological function of the body. Neurons are the most basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system. The synapse is an asymmetric structure that is important for neuronal function. The chemical transmission mode of the synapse is realized through neurotransmitters and electrical processes. Based on vesicle transport, the abnormal information transmission process in the synapse can lead to a series of neurorelated diseases. Numerous proteins and complexes that regulate the process of vesicle transport, such as SNARE proteins, Munc18-1, and Synaptotagmin-1, have been identified. Their regulation of synaptic vesicle secretion is complicated and delicate, and their defects can lead to a series of neurodegenerative diseases. This review will discuss the structure and functions of vesicle-based synapses and their roles in neurons. Furthermore, we will analyze neurotransmitter and synaptic functions in neurodegenerative diseases and discuss the potential of using related drugs in their treatment.

Synergistic Effect of Combined Walnut Peptide and Ginseng Extracts on Memory Improvement in C57BL/6 Mice and Potential Mechanism Exploration

“…It has been reported that in clinical patients or animal models, structural degeneration, such as reduction in neurons, generally does not appear until the middle-late stage, and cognitive impairment in the early stage of the disease is more likely to be caused by abnormal synaptic function in specific brain regions (prefrontal cortex and hippocampus) [ 24 ]. In the brain, excitatory glutamatergic synapses are often made on dendritic spines that enlarge during learning.…”

The alleviative effect of Calendula officinalis L. extract against Parkinson’s disease-like pathology in zebrafish via the involvement of autophagy activation

“…The significant down-regulation of tuba1b expression after ECoL co-treatment provided additional evidence for the protective effect of ECoL against neuronal damage in PD-like zebrafish. Besides, maintaining the structure and function of neuronal synapse is an important pathway to antagonize the onset and development of neurodegenerative disease including PD ( Wei et al, 2022 ). ECoL co-treatments might alleviate the influence of MPTP to neural synapse, as indicated by the alteration of abnormal expressions of syn2a and gap43 , which participate in neuronal differentiation and synaptogenesis, and neurite formation, respectively ( Garbarino et al, 2014 ; Hung et al, 2016 ).…”

A New Perspective for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease: Exosome-like Liposomes to Deliver Natural Compounds and RNA Therapies

“…However, when pathogenic factors affect synapses, it suppresses the brain from learning and leads to memory impairment. Currently, these synaptic changes are the targets of many pharmacological interventions [ 19 ]. All these factors result in neuronal cell death and, in some neurodegenerative disorders, can result in brain volume loss [ 14 ].…”