Over the last decade, there has been growing interest and important developments in the mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Many of these advances have come from the development of multi-omics approaches, human cellular models, as well as an increased appreciation of the contribution of different cell types that may contribute to the pathophysiology of NDDs. The identification of genetic variants that increase the likelihood of NDDs has led to the “many genes, common pathways” hypothesis - the idea that genes involved in the pathophysiology of NDDs converge on common molecular mechanisms, or act synergistically, leading to the core molecular and cellular phenotypes. There are also increasing lines of evidence suggesting that environmental factors may also interact with the genetic landscape associated with NDDs, resulting in an increased chance of these disorders. However, more research is needed to identify those common mechanisms, their genetic causes, and the influence of environmental agents, with the final aim of developing therapeutic strategies to treat certain aspects of NDDs.
In this Research Topic, we encourage researchers to describe the state of the art and the main challenges in identifying the molecular pathways and associated risk factors leading to NDDs. We also welcome contributions that look into the future and define the directions that the field will take in the coming years. We encourage authors to contribute with original research or review articles. However, other article types such as perspectives and methods are welcomed. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
• Identification of common molecular mechanisms, from different genetic determinants and how they lead to core deficits observed in NDDs.
• Molecular and cellular functions of genetic factors associated with NDDs.
• Synergistic actions of genetic risk factors and how they contribute to cellular and molecular phenotypes.
• Neuro-glia interactions and how these are altered in NDDs.
• Impact of environmental factors such as infections, stress or drug abuse on cellular and molecular phenotypes associated with NDDs.
• Interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors leading to NDDs.
• Sex differences or sex specific cellular and molecular phenotypes associated with NDDs.
• Newly identified molecular mechanisms and drug targets to aid or prevent NDDs.
We are also happy to accept studies using rodent, primary cell or induced pluripotent stem cell models to further our understanding of NDDs.
Over the last decade, there has been growing interest and important developments in the mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Many of these advances have come from the development of multi-omics approaches, human cellular models, as well as an increased appreciation of the contribution of different cell types that may contribute to the pathophysiology of NDDs. The identification of genetic variants that increase the likelihood of NDDs has led to the “many genes, common pathways” hypothesis - the idea that genes involved in the pathophysiology of NDDs converge on common molecular mechanisms, or act synergistically, leading to the core molecular and cellular phenotypes. There are also increasing lines of evidence suggesting that environmental factors may also interact with the genetic landscape associated with NDDs, resulting in an increased chance of these disorders. However, more research is needed to identify those common mechanisms, their genetic causes, and the influence of environmental agents, with the final aim of developing therapeutic strategies to treat certain aspects of NDDs.
In this Research Topic, we encourage researchers to describe the state of the art and the main challenges in identifying the molecular pathways and associated risk factors leading to NDDs. We also welcome contributions that look into the future and define the directions that the field will take in the coming years. We encourage authors to contribute with original research or review articles. However, other article types such as perspectives and methods are welcomed. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
• Identification of common molecular mechanisms, from different genetic determinants and how they lead to core deficits observed in NDDs.
• Molecular and cellular functions of genetic factors associated with NDDs.
• Synergistic actions of genetic risk factors and how they contribute to cellular and molecular phenotypes.
• Neuro-glia interactions and how these are altered in NDDs.
• Impact of environmental factors such as infections, stress or drug abuse on cellular and molecular phenotypes associated with NDDs.
• Interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors leading to NDDs.
• Sex differences or sex specific cellular and molecular phenotypes associated with NDDs.
• Newly identified molecular mechanisms and drug targets to aid or prevent NDDs.
We are also happy to accept studies using rodent, primary cell or induced pluripotent stem cell models to further our understanding of NDDs.
