Chronic neuroinflammation is associated with the pathophysiology of
Parkinson's disease, a movement disorder characterised by deterioration of the
nigrostriatal system of the brain. Recent studies have yielded important
insights into the regulation of inflammation by nuclear receptors, a superfamily
of ligand-activated transcription factors. Certain nuclear receptors are also
emerging as regulators of neurodegeneration, including dopaminergic neuronal
degeneration in Parkinson's disease, and the importance of transcriptional
control in this process is becoming increasingly apparent. Here, we discuss the
role of Nurr1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), retinoic
acid receptors and glucocorticoid receptors in neuroinflammatory processes that
contribute to dopaminergic neuronal degeneration. We examine current evidence
providing insight into the potential of these important players as therapeutic
targets for Parkinson's disease.