MOLECULAR GENETICS OF LIPID METABOLISM AND ITS ROLE IN NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES

Abstract

The molecular regulation of lipid metabolism has emerged as an important area of investigation in understanding the biological mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases. Lipids are essential components of neuronal membranes, myelin, intracellular organelles, and signaling systems, while their synthesis, transport, modification, storage, and degradation must remain tightly coordinated to preserve neuronal function. Recent research indicates that disturbances in lipid homeostasis can influence processes associated with neurodegeneration, including membrane instability, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, impaired lysosomal activity, altered protein processing, and abnormal lipid droplet accumulation. This study examines the molecular genetic mechanisms that regulate lipid metabolism and explores their contribution to the development and progression of major neurodegenerative disorders, with particular emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and related neurological conditions. The investigation considers the roles of genes and regulatory pathways involved in cholesterol transport, fatty-acid metabolism, sphingolipid synthesis, phospholipid remodeling, lipid storage, and lysosomal lipid processing. Particular attention is given to genetic variations affecting lipid-associated proteins and cellular pathways, including apolipoprotein-mediated transport, lysosomal function, lipid droplet regulation, and interactions between neurons and glial cells. The study further examines how inherited or acquired alterations in these molecular pathways may modify cellular responses to aging, metabolic stress, inflammation, and abnormal protein accumulation. Emerging evidence suggests that lipid metabolism is not an isolated metabolic process but is closely connected with mitochondrial activity, immune signaling, membrane trafficking, and neuronal survival. Understanding these interconnected mechanisms may help explain why disturbances in specific lipid pathways produce different neurological consequences across disease conditions. The study also considers the potential of molecular profiling, lipidomics, genetic analysis, and pathway-based approaches for identifying disease-associated biomarkers and therapeutic targets. By integrating molecular genetics with neurobiology and lipid metabolism, this research highlights the importance of maintaining lipid homeostasis for neural health and provides a framework for investigating personalized therapeutic strategies aimed at modifying lipid-related mechanisms involved in neurodegeneration.