This Research Topic is part of Distributed networks: new outlooks on cerebellar function series.
Distributed networks: new outlooks on cerebellar functionSince the original launch of this research topic in 2013, much progress has been made in our understanding of cerebellar contributions beyond the sensorimotor realm. Indeed, overwhelming evidence now indicates that the cerebellum is involved in a diverse range of complex processes, such as decision making, emotional control, spatial navigation, social interaction, appetite control, and reward-related behaviors amongst others.
As we originally proposed in 2013, it is likely that these functions are underpinned by the behavior-dependent formation of functional networks in which the cerebellum forms one node of distributed circuits spanning thalamic, midbrain, limbic, and neocortical regions. Whilst our understanding of these networks has increased over the last 9 years, the fundamental questions that we posed remain only superficially understood:
• What are the computations that the cerebellum performs during these tasks?
• How are cerebellar signals interfaced with those from other brain regions during behavior?
• How does disruption of these cerebellar networks manifest clinically?
Therefore, the overarching aim of this Research Topic remains to provide a forum through which the role(s) of cerebellar interactions with other brain structures can be discussed in a rigorous manner. In particular, we would like to bring together findings from the clinical, animal, theoretical, and neuroimaging fields. The major aspects that we would like to cover in this Research Topic are:
-Theories and models of circuit function
-Functional and structural studies of circuit operation
-Pathologies, neurodevelopmental disorders, clinical reports
As leaders on one or more of these specific topics, we encourage you to contribute to this Topic. As a first step, we request a title proposal (or multiple titles involving your collaborators) by 31 March 2022. Articles can be of any type (ranging from clinical case reports, original research papers to review articles). Once we have received all titles, we will align the contributions to the main categories indicated above. The next step will be to receive your articles for peer review. We have set the deadline for this of 31 October 2022, so that you have plenty of time to proceed. Once papers are accepted, they will be grouped under the main topic headings together with a concise editorial.
We look forward to receiving your contributions to this unique initiative.