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Neurodegenerative Diseases: Molecular Mechanisms, Drug Targets and Therapeutic Strategies

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Neurobiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 517

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Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Galway Neuroscience Centre, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway, Galway, University Road, H91 W5P7, Ireland
Interests: neurotrasmitters; estrogens; neurotrophins; neurodegenerative disorders; drug discovery and development
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of IJMS provides a forum for the dissemination of the most recent findings on molecular mechanisms, therapeutic targets and strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.

A major challenge for researchers and our society is the lack of effective disease-modifying or curative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis. There is a critical need for therapies to prevent and/or slow the progression of these disorders. Several factors contribute to the neurodegenerative process, such as oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, protein aggregation, vascular dysfunction, and neuroinflammation, but gaining a better understanding of their contribution to disease pathology is key for identifying new potential therapeutic targets. To design effective therapies, it is fundamental to conduct studies that aim to increase understanding of the molecular mechanisms of disease pathology and identify the most promising drug targets.

We welcome the submission of original research and review articles on the advances in every aspect of research on molecular mechanisms and therapeutics relevant to neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Andrea Kwakowsky
Guest Editor

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • beta amyloid peptide
  • tau protein
  • alpha-synuclein protein
  • huntingtin protein
  • autophagy
  • neuromodulators
  • neurotrophins
  • natural compounds
  • neuroinflammation
  • vascular dysfunction
  • neuronal death
  • drug development
  • therapeutic biomarkers
  • blood–brain barrier
  • small-molecule therapeutics

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

25 pages, 2707 KB  
Review
Role of Reactive Astrocytes and Microglia: Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Neuroprotection and Repair in Parkinson’s Disease
by Margherita Grasso, Chiara Mascali and Francesca L’Episcopo
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(24), 11880; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262411880 - 9 Dec 2025
Viewed by 359
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative pathology defined by specific, distinctive signs, primarily the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons (DAergic) in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), associated with gliosis phenomena. The mechanisms that trigger the degeneration of DAergic neurons are not yet [...] Read more.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative pathology defined by specific, distinctive signs, primarily the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons (DAergic) in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), associated with gliosis phenomena. The mechanisms that trigger the degeneration of DAergic neurons are not yet fully elucidated, although it is recognized that the interaction between genetic and environmental factors acts as a critical modulator of neuronal vulnerability. Strong evidence points to glial reactivity as a central element in PD pathophysiology; however, it remains a controversial topic whether this activation has a protective effect or, on the contrary, whether it contributes to exacerbating DAergic neuronal loss. The use of MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine)—a neurotoxic substance—represented a turning point in Parkinson’s research, allowing the clarification of various molecular mechanisms of the disease. The primary aim of this review is to explore the current state of knowledge regarding the role of astrocytes in the processes of DAergic neurodegeneration, neuroprotection, and neurorepair. We focused on the relationship between astrocytic origin factors and neurogenic signals that mediate MPTP-induced plasticity in DAergic neurons of the nigrostriatal system. The contribution of reactive astrocytes in promoting DAergic neurogenesis starting from Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells (NPCs) present in the adult midbrain is also analyzed. Among the mediators released by astrocytes, we have previously identified the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway as a fundamental element capable of positively influencing neuroplasticity and dopaminergic neuronal repair induced by the toxic MPTP. In conclusion, deciphering the intrinsic plasticity of nigrostriatal DAergic neurons and signals that facilitate communication between astrocytes and NPCs is crucial for the identification of potential therapeutic targets aimed at stimulating neuronal repair. Full article
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