About this Research Topic
Neuro-self-repair mechanisms in humans are limited following trauma and injuries caused by stroke or head trauma, and in neurodegenerative diseases. Neuron replacement is the desired strategy to repair the diseased brain, targeting of signaling factors and pathways that support neuronal development is a potential therapeutic alternative. Studies have described important intrinsic and extrinsic factors that modulate neurogenesis in the adult brain. The intrinsic factors include neurotrophic factors, biological sex, inflammation, neurotransmitters, transcriptional programs, and hormones. The extrinsic factors include exercise, aging, metabolism and stem cell transplantation. This Research Topic aims to gather research studies focusing on regeneration strategies in neurological diseases. In addition to reviewing the role of neural stem cells, and neuro-gliogenesis in the process, this collection focuses on changes in neurochemicals and transmitter signaling that influence repair mechanisms. Articles summarized here, will comprise current and novel strategies stimulating neurorepair in the CNS, thereby improving brain function after damage. New technologies for in vivo monitoring of adult neurogenesis such as magnetic resonance maging, positron emission tomography, and optical imaging with fluorescent or bioluminescent reporters are welcome.
This Research Topic on neurorepair strategies will collect current and novel mechanisms and strategies for stimulating the neurorepair process in the damaged brain; thereby focusing on neuro-, glio-, angio-, and synaptogenesis contributing to the replacement of lost cells and plasticity. We are looking for articles examining the role of different cell types (neurons, astrocytes, microglia, endothelial cells, myocytes, pericytes) in reconstructing neural networks, as well as articles on alterations in neurochemical signalling that influence the process. Pharmacological approaches will be considered if they have a well-defined molecular target and well-described mechanisms of action. In this collection, articles that address pathologies, such as in stroke, head trauma, spinal cord injury, or neurodegenerative diseases, are especially welcome. We are most interested in Original Research, but Reviews and Perspectives are also welcome.
We suggest the following specific subtopics:
• Strategies to stimulate neurogenesis and neurorepair
• Implications of angiogenesis to neuronal plasticity and neurorepair
• New players, targets or mechanisms linking gliogenesis and neurorepair
• Imaging approaches for studying in vivo neurogenesis and angiogenesis
• Brain-immune interactions and neuroinflammation during neurorepair
• The role of sex differences, aging, physical activity and metabolism on neurogenesis, angiogenesis and synaptic plasticity
• Pharmacological strategies to stimulate neurorepair
• Non-pharmacological approaches to stimulate neurorepair
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.