Transcription factor EB: an emerging drug target for neurodegenerative disorders

•Transcription factor EB orchestrates the autophagy–lysosomal pathway.•Deficient activation of transcription factor EB is closely associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders.•Overexpression of transcription factor EB attenuates neurodegeneration.•Small-molecule activators of transcription factor EB are promising drug candidates for neurodegenerative disorders.