About this Research Topic

Background

Cell adhesion is the primary phenomenon behind cell-cell and cell-environment interactions which are of utmost importance during both ontogenesis and phylogenesis of neural tissue. Significantly, in the last decade, an increasing number of neural diseases have been traced back to have, at least partially, a neurodevelopmental component. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are cell-surface proteins enabling cell-cell and/or cell-to-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. They play a crucial role during neural development, including processes like neurulation, cell migration, axon guidance, or synapse formation. Research in the last 40 years however has established that these proteins are much more than just cellular „Velcro” which keep cells attached to the ECM and each other. Interestingly, almost all cell adhesion molecules are also involved in specific intracellular signaling pathways, thereby connecting mechanical events outside the cell to intracellular molecular cascades.

In this Research Topic we plan to convey the current status of the ever-growing field of cell adhesion research in the context of neural development and disease with authors researching a wide spectrum of cell adhesion molecules as well as model organisms. There have been two major trends in recent years that defined the field. Firstly, single-cell omics studies (currently mainly at the RNA, but soon presumably also at the protein and lipid levels) made it possible to follow cell type specification, uncovering developmental patterns and novel phenomenons behind cellular fate choice. Secondly, it has become evident that the development of neural tissues is not an isolated process, rather it is embedded into and interacts with differentiation events occurring simultaneously (eg. vasculogenesis, immune system development). Therefore, a complex approach examining their interactions would provide novel insights into the molecular mechanism of these phenomenons.

The planned issue for Frontiers in Neuroscience will cover the role of cell adhesion molecules in neural development and disease. Papers, both original research articles and reviews covering the role of CAMs in developmental processes from neurulation to synaptogenesis and synaptic remodeling will be considered for publication. These include, but are not restricted to, neural folding, neural crest development, neuronal and glial differentiation and migration, axon guidance, and myelination in the developing CNS, PNS, and other tissues of neuroectodermal origin (eg. neural crest, retina). Papers discussing potential cell adhesion-mediated interactions of the developing nervous system with vasculogenesis and the developing immune system are particularly encouraged. Last, but certainly not least, submissions connecting the function of neural adhesion proteins to neurodevelopmental and/or neurodegenerative diseases are highly welcome.

Keywords: cell adhesion, neural development, neurodevelopmental diseases, neuro-vascular interactions, neuro-immunological interchange, neurodegenerative diseases

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.

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