About this Research Topic
Correct brain function requires fine-tuned homeostasis and plasticity of synapses, which are supported by neuronal gene expression programs mediated by activity-dependent transcriptional regulators, including transcription factors, transcriptional coactivators, and synaptonuclear factors. Synaptonuclear factors are dynamically transported from activated synapses to the nucleus, where they are thought to promote neuronal gene expression required for the plasticity of those recently-activated synapses. On the other hand, newly synthesized transcripts and proteins are transported from the nucleus and the cytosol to distal pre-synaptic and post-synaptic compartments, where they may be locally translated and incorporated into local synaptic signaling events.
The molecular mechanisms mediating local synaptic translation, plasticity, and subsequent gene transcription at the nucleus comprise an exciting and highly active area of study. Recent relevant advances in the field include the identification of specific synaptonuclear factors; the elucidation of key molecular mechanisms mediating their activity, synaptic localization, and transport; the characterization of activity-regulated translation of synaptic transcripts; as well as the implication of these processes in a wide range of brain disorders, including neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. These studies suggest that a precise molecular crosstalk between synapses and the nucleus is essential for proper neuronal function and synaptic plasticity, whereas dysregulation of this communication may lead to brain pathology. Therefore, a better understanding of the mechanisms governing synapse/nucleus communication is essential for developing effective therapeutic strategies.
This Research Topic covers the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in synapse-to-nucleus signaling during brain physiology and disease, including studies about specific synaptonuclear factors, but also related to transcriptional and/or epigenetic regulation of gene programs mediating synaptic plasticity and neuronal excitability, synaptic transcripts and local synaptic translation, and synaptic processes that can potentially impact on subsequent gene expression at the nucleus. It also covers the role of glial cells in neuronal synapse-to-nucleus communication. We are looking for Original Research, Review, Mini-Review, Hypothesis and Theory, Perspective and Opinion articles addressing, but not limited to, the following subjects:
• Activity-regulated transcriptional programs mediated by synaptonuclear factors.
• Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of synaptic plasticity and neuronal excitability.
• Neuronal and glial modulation of synaptic function and neuronal gene expression.
• Activity-regulated transport of synaptic transcripts and local synaptic translation.
• Disruption of synapse-to-nucleus signaling in pathological conditions.
• Therapeutic approaches targeting synapse-to-nucleus signaling in neurodegenerative, neuropsychiatric, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
The molecular mechanisms mediating local synaptic translation, plasticity, and subsequent gene transcription at the nucleus comprise an exciting and highly active area of study. Recent relevant advances in the field include the identification of specific synaptonuclear factors; the elucidation of key molecular mechanisms mediating their activity, synaptic localization, and transport; the characterization of activity-regulated translation of synaptic transcripts; as well as the implication of these processes in a wide range of brain disorders, including neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. These studies suggest that a precise molecular crosstalk between synapses and the nucleus is essential for proper neuronal function and synaptic plasticity, whereas dysregulation of this communication may lead to brain pathology. Therefore, a better understanding of the mechanisms governing synapse/nucleus communication is essential for developing effective therapeutic strategies.
This Research Topic covers the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in synapse-to-nucleus signaling during brain physiology and disease, including studies about specific synaptonuclear factors, but also related to transcriptional and/or epigenetic regulation of gene programs mediating synaptic plasticity and neuronal excitability, synaptic transcripts and local synaptic translation, and synaptic processes that can potentially impact on subsequent gene expression at the nucleus. It also covers the role of glial cells in neuronal synapse-to-nucleus communication. We are looking for Original Research, Review, Mini-Review, Hypothesis and Theory, Perspective and Opinion articles addressing, but not limited to, the following subjects:
• Activity-regulated transcriptional programs mediated by synaptonuclear factors.
• Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of synaptic plasticity and neuronal excitability.
• Neuronal and glial modulation of synaptic function and neuronal gene expression.
• Activity-regulated transport of synaptic transcripts and local synaptic translation.
• Disruption of synapse-to-nucleus signaling in pathological conditions.
• Therapeutic approaches targeting synapse-to-nucleus signaling in neurodegenerative, neuropsychiatric, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Keywords: Synapse-to-Nucleus Signalling, Synaptonuclear factors, Synaptic plasticity, Neurodegeneration, Neuropsychiatric disorders, Neurodevelopmental disorders, Local Synaptic Translation
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.
