Regulation of Synaptic Structure and Function

The brain has billions of neurons connected through remarkably specific synaptic connections. Synaptic structures and functions are precisely regulated. Defects in synaptic development or maintenance often lead to neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative disorders. Combining molecular, physiological and genetic methods, researchers have identified many genes and signaling pathways involved in the synaptic development, transmission and plasticity, including genes encoding cytoskeleton, scaffolding, trafficking, cell adhesion and secreted signaling molecules and their receptors. However, the details underlying these mechanisms remain not well understood.
The goal of this Research Topic is to address questions including but not limited to:

1. Molecular mechanisms underlying synaptogenesis, maintenance, and plasticity.
2. Molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic transmission including trafficking and function of presynaptic and postsynaptic proteins.
3. Glial regulation of synaptic structure and function.

In this research topic, we collect original Research papers, Opinion articles, and Reviews in the areas including but not limited to the genetic and epigenetic regulation of synaptic formation, maintenance, transmission and plasticity during the physiological and pathological processes.