Multiple Mechanisms of the Therapeutic Effect of Trehalose in Inhibition of Experimental Neurodegeneration

Abstract

The search for effective treatment for neurodegeneration implies attacking the multiple mechanisms of this pathology. Such properties were found in disaccharide trehalose, which shows therapeutic effects in models of many diseases and has been approved by the FDA for use in humans. Trehalose consists of two glucose residues bonded together by a flexible α-1-1'-glycosidic bond, giving it chaperone-like activity. Due to this, it prevents abnormal folding of aberrant proteins and has the properties of a cryo- and bioprotector. However, the main therapeutic effect is determined by the induction of mTOR-independent autophagy mediated by AMPK kinase as the main target. The result is a weakening of the accumulation of cytotoxic proteins and factors and an increase in cell viability. Autophagy activation depends on trehalose-induced lysosome and autophagosome biogenesis through activation of transcription factors TFEB and FOXO1. Trehalose has an anti-inflammatory effect closely related to the inhibition of oxidative stress. Trehalose-induced enhancement of endogenous antioxidant defense involves the regulator Nrf2. The review considers the neuroprotective effects of trehalose in models of major neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and others. Overall, trehalose shows high therapeutic potential in the treatment of experimental neurodegeneration and thus stimulating the study of its clinical application.