Melatonin-Mediated Nrf2 Activation as a Potential Therapeutic Strategy in Mutation-Driven Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegeneration is intrinsically linked to aging through processes such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chronic inflammation. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) emerges as a central transcription factor regulating these molecular events and promoting cytoprotective responses. In neurodegenerative diseases, notably, frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), genetic mutations—including MAPT, LRRK2, PINK1, PRKN, and SNCA—have been reported to alter Nrf2 signaling, both in vitro and in vivo. Melatonin, a neurohormone widely known for its strong antioxidant and mitochondria-stabilizing properties, has been shown to activate Nrf2 and restore redox balance in several experimental models of neurodegeneration. Its effects include a reduction in tau hyperphosphorylation, α-synuclein aggregation, and neuroinflammation. While most data are derived from sporadic models of Alzheimer’s disease and PD, emerging evidence supports a role for melatonin in familial forms of FTD and PD as well. Thus, targeting Nrf2 through melatonin may offer a promising approach to mitigating neurodegeneration, especially in the context of mutation-driven pathologies. Further investigation is warranted to explore mutation-specific responses and optimize the therapeutic strategies.