PARP1 in the intersection of different DNA repair pathways, memory formation, and sleep pressure in neurons

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) is a bottleneck that connects different DNA pathways during a DNA damage response. Interestingly, PARP1 has a dualist role in neurons, acting as a neuroprotector and inducer of cell death in distinct neurological diseases. Recent studies significantly expanded our knowledge of how PARP1 regulates repair pathways in neurons and uncovered new roles for PARP1 in promoting sleep to enhance DNA repair. Likewise, PARP1 is deeply associated with memory consolidation, implying that it has multiple layers of regulation in the neural tissue. In this review, we critically discuss PARP1 recent advances in neurons, focusing on its interplay with different DNA repair mechanisms, memory, and sleep. Provocative questions about how oxidative damage is accessed, and different hypotheses about the molecular mechanisms influenced by PARP1 in neurons are presented to expand the debate of future studies.