About this Research Topic
Millions of people around the world are increasingly affected by neurodegenerative diseases. According to WHO predictions it is estimated that by 2040, neurodegenerative diseases will surpass cancer becoming the second leading cause of death worldwide.
Despite progress in preclinical studies of these diseases have improved our understanding of their molecular pathogenesis, the development of targeted therapies requires animal models that faithfully recapitulate human disease, which represents a great challenge.
The identification of early biomarkers for these diseases, as well as new pharmacological and therapeutic targets to attenuate their progression, are thus essential, as well as advances brought by biochemical, behavioral, and molecular tests to assess their effectiveness.
Because rodents are not the only organisms adopted to model these disorders, there are also models based on genetics, pharmacology, and transgenics.
Among the non-murine models that have been so far adopted, such as fish (Danio rerio) fly (Drosophila melanogaster), nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans), among others; as well as in vitro (cell culture models) and in silico (3D-modeling and molecular docking) studies have been helpful in moving further steps forward. The abovementioned models have in fact proved useful for testing and for investigating how proteins implicated in these diseases cause cellular and organismal pathological toxicity.
In addition to protein toxicity studies, the biochemical, behavioral, and molecular evaluation of drugs, extracts, and secondary plant metabolites (polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, cannabinoids, among others) are included, to assess the effectiveness of these treatments, and allow researchers to identify the effect of potential therapeutic agents in these diseases.
The goal of this Research Topic is to provide an overview of the latest findings in preclinical models assays of neurodegenerative diseases.
We welcome submissions that help move steps forward in the study of preclinical models’ testing for an array of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
We aim to collect translational perspectives based on the evaluation of biochemical, behavioral, and molecular tests with potential use in the treatment and/or pharmacological management of these diseases.
We particularly welcome the submission of data on the mechanism of action, pharmacological activity, and interaction between secondary plant metabolites and clinically effective drugs for the above-mentioned diseases, as well as research outputs focusing on their possible toxic effects.
Despite progress in preclinical studies of these diseases have improved our understanding of their molecular pathogenesis, the development of targeted therapies requires animal models that faithfully recapitulate human disease, which represents a great challenge.
The identification of early biomarkers for these diseases, as well as new pharmacological and therapeutic targets to attenuate their progression, are thus essential, as well as advances brought by biochemical, behavioral, and molecular tests to assess their effectiveness.
Because rodents are not the only organisms adopted to model these disorders, there are also models based on genetics, pharmacology, and transgenics.
Among the non-murine models that have been so far adopted, such as fish (Danio rerio) fly (Drosophila melanogaster), nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans), among others; as well as in vitro (cell culture models) and in silico (3D-modeling and molecular docking) studies have been helpful in moving further steps forward. The abovementioned models have in fact proved useful for testing and for investigating how proteins implicated in these diseases cause cellular and organismal pathological toxicity.
In addition to protein toxicity studies, the biochemical, behavioral, and molecular evaluation of drugs, extracts, and secondary plant metabolites (polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, cannabinoids, among others) are included, to assess the effectiveness of these treatments, and allow researchers to identify the effect of potential therapeutic agents in these diseases.
The goal of this Research Topic is to provide an overview of the latest findings in preclinical models assays of neurodegenerative diseases.
We welcome submissions that help move steps forward in the study of preclinical models’ testing for an array of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
We aim to collect translational perspectives based on the evaluation of biochemical, behavioral, and molecular tests with potential use in the treatment and/or pharmacological management of these diseases.
We particularly welcome the submission of data on the mechanism of action, pharmacological activity, and interaction between secondary plant metabolites and clinically effective drugs for the above-mentioned diseases, as well as research outputs focusing on their possible toxic effects.
Keywords: neurodegenerative diseases, neuroprotective effects, liver function, renal function, phytochemicals, secondary metabolites, therapeutic drugs, mechanism of action, neuronal culture, iPSC, animal model
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