Degeneration and dysfunction of neurons in the brain are hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases. Over the past decades, significant efforts have been devoted to the development and validation of biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases. The range and diversity of biomarkers for central nervous system (CNS) diseases has continued to expand, encompassing biofluid-based sources such as blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), nucleic acids, tissues, and imaging. While imaging and tissue biopsy-based markers are continually being identified and their applications expanding, they do have limitations compared with RNA and protein biomarkers. This review comprehensively summarizes various biomarkers, including microRNA (miRNA), long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), circulating miRNA (cimiRNA), and proteins, in the context of CNS disorders. In addition, the review emphasizes the existing limitations and challenges associated with the use of biomarkers in both clinical practice and research on neurodegenerative diseases. In conclusion, this review provides an insightful overview of the identified biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases, underscoring the crucial role of biomarker research in combating these debilitating conditions. The article also highlights future challenges related to the implementation of novel biomarkers in clinical practice and trials, thereby contributing to the ongoing efforts to advance the understanding and management of neurodegenerative diseases.

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and recanalization therapy is significant in the hyperacute phase of AIS. However, reperfusion injury and hemorrhagic transformation after recanalization predict poor prognosis of AIS. How to minimize reperfusion injury and hemorrhagic transformation, which greatly improves the prognosis of vascular recanalization, is becoming a hot topic in AIS research and an urgent problem to be solved. A wealth of neuroprotective drug studies is now available, while some of the neuroprotectants have met with failure in human studies. It is discussed in this review about the progress in neuroprotective therapy for AIS based on understanding the pathophysiologic mechanisms of reperfusion injury and hemorrhagic transformation, as well as challenges in exploring new neuroprotectants.

Phosphoinositides are membrane phospholipids involved in a variety of cellular processes like growth, development, metabolism, and transport. This review focuses on the maintenance of cellular homeostasis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3). The critical balance of these PIPs is crucial for regulation of neuronal form and function. The activity of PIP2 and PIP3 can be regulated through kinases, phosphatases, phospholipases and cholesterol microdomains. PIP2 and PIP3 carry out their functions either indirectly through their effectors activating integral signaling pathways, or through direct regulation of membrane channels, transporters, and cytoskeletal proteins. Any perturbations to the balance between PIP2 and PIP3 signaling result in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. This review will discuss the upstream modulators and downstream effectors of the PIP2 and PIP3 signaling, in the context of neuronal health and disease.