Targeting epigenetics as a promising therapeutic strategy for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Abstract

Nowadays, epigenetics is of great research value as a new gateway that can solve the sophisticated mysteries behind neurodegenerative diseases. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, various post-translational modifications of histones, chromatin remodeling enzymes, and long non-coding RNAs, are robust modulators of gene expression levels. Over the past years, epigenetic processes have emerged as important factors in many neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Huntington's disease. Here, we review the diverse types of epigenetic modifications and how these mechanisms become dysregulated across the lifespan. We then discuss the various promising strategies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases targeting epigenetics, paving the way for the development of novel treatment strategies in neurodegenerative diseases.

Keywords: Epigenetics; Histone modification; Neurodegenerative diseases; Small molecule drug; Therapeutic strategy.