Extracellular Matrix in Development and Disorders of the Nervous System

It is now clear that extracellular matrix (ECM) plays important roles in development and repair of the diseased nervous system. Besides neurons and various glia cell types, the matrix contains molecules essential for functioning nervous system. It plays a role in synaptogenesis and stabilization of the synapses, thus influencing the neuronal circuitry, synaptic activity and plasticity. Extracellular matrix contains not only functionally important proteins, but is also a medium through which cell to cell signaling occurs, thus regulating every single process within the nervous system. Of particular interest are perineuronal nets, which form around some neurons in the central nervous system, stabilizing their synapses and playing important roles in plasticity.

Increasing knowledge about the roles of extracellular matrix and its components in the nervous system development and disease is important from the therapeutic viewpoint. Activation of signaling cascades underlying reorganization of the extracellular matrix and stimulation of neuronal plasticity is achievable goal and a promising approach for treatment of acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders. Recent data suggest that extracellular matrix proteases modifying cell recognition molecules on the neuronal surface, modulate synaptogenesis and plasticity during development and neurorepair.

The aim of this Research Topic is to cover promising and novel research trends on extracellular matrix molecules and their roles in development, neurodegeneration and regeneration. The following topics are the main focus:

- Synaptic plasticity

- Transcription and neurotrophic factors

- Neurotransmitters

- Adult neurogenesis and synaptogenesis

- Gliogenesis

- Proteolysis

- Extracellular matrix molecules

- Therapeutic approaches

We welcome articles as Original Research, Reviews, Mini Reviews, Methods, Clinical Trial, Opinion and General Commentary.