Review Article

Modulation of autophagy by melatonin and its receptors: implications in brain disorders

Chen-ze Zhu1, Gui-zhi Li2, Hai-feng Lyu2, Yang-yang Lu1, Yue Li1, Xiang-nan Zhang1,3
1 Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
2 School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 311399, China
3 Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University, Jinhua 321299, China
Correspondence to: Xiang-nan Zhang: xiangnan_zhang@zju.edu.cn,
DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01398-2
Received: 27 June 2024
Accepted: 17 September 2024
Advance online: 17 September 2024

Abstract

Autophagy plays a crucial role in maintaining neuronal homeostasis and function, and its disruption is linked to various brain diseases. Melatonin, an endogenous hormone that primarily acts through MT1 and MT2 receptors, regulates autophagy via multiple pathways. Growing evidence indicates that melatonin’s ability to modulate autophagy provides therapeutic and preventive benefits in brain disorders, including neurodegenerative and affective diseases. In this review, we summarize the key mechanisms by which melatonin affects autophagy and explore its therapeutic potential in the treatment of brain disorders.
Keywords: autophagy; neuron; melatonin; melatonin receptor; brain disorders

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