Review maps synaptic mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities in neurodegeneration
Published in Brain/Neurology, Drugs development & discovery, Journals.
Published October 29, 2026.
A review published today in Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy examines how synaptic dysfunction contributes to neurodegenerative disease and surveys approaches aimed at preserving communication between neurons.
Sun and colleagues organize the evidence around presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms in glutamatergic, GABAergic, cholinergic and dopaminergic systems. They also consider receptor-associated proteins and neuropeptides that modify synaptic signaling.
The review highlights interactions between neurons, microglia and astrocytes, including their roles in maintaining neuronal homeostasis and in disease-associated synaptic impairment. It also discusses how aging can accelerate these problems.
Therapeutic directions include supporting plasticity, adjusting neurotransmitter signaling and targeting immune pathways. The authors assess the maturity of these approaches and the obstacles to translating them into effective therapies.
This article synthesizes existing research rather than reporting a new treatment trial. Its value is a framework for comparing mechanisms and research opportunities; the therapeutic strategies discussed require evaluation within their individual evidence bases.