Towards Structural Restoration: Epigenetic Reprogramming and Direct Astrocyte-to-Neuron Lineage Conversion as Next-Generation Regenerative Neurotherapeutics.

Authors

Hung M Nguyen, Long D T Nguyen

Published in

Molecular neurobiology. Volume 63. Issue 1. Aug 10, 2026. Epub Aug 10, 2026.

Abstract

While the recent clinical approval of amyloid-targeting monoclonal antibodies represents a landmark in Alzheimer's disease (AD) management, these immunotherapies fundamentally function as agents of mitigation rather than restoration, failing to reconstitute decimated neural circuitry. Direct in situ astrocyte-to-neuron reprogramming offers a compelling regenerative alternative by leveraging the abundant endogenous glial reservoir. However, translating this cellular plasticity in vivo is severely bottlenecked by the hostile pathological microenvironment and the deeply entrenched epigenetic memory of reactive astrocytes. In this review, we delineate a tripartite neuroregenerative framework. First, we evaluate the prerequisite use of senotherapeutics to engineer a permissive parenchymal niche for nascent neuronal survival. Second, we explore epigenomic editing strategies-including CRISPR-dCas9 platforms and targeted pharmacological modulators-required to dismantle repressive heterochromatin and unlock sequestered neurogenic loci. Third, we dissect the molecular execution of reprogramming via pioneer transcription factors (TFs), emphasizing the obligatory metabolic rewiring from astrocytic glycolysis to neuronal oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Finally, to overcome formidable translational hurdles, we highlight the convergence of AI-optimized lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for non-viral blood-brain barrier (BBB) transcytosis alongside Neurological Digital Twins (NDTs) to computationally predict the optimal presymptomatic intervention window. By harmonizing microenvironmental conditioning, epigenetic rejuvenation, and precision delivery, this systems-level blueprint provides a promising rationale for transitioning AD therapeutics from passive deceleration to active structural restoration.

PMID:
42573852
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 10 Aug 2026.

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