About this Research Topic

Background

Neurological diseases (NDs) represent a significant clinical challenge, ranking as both a leading cause of disability and the second highest cause of mortality worldwide. Disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), schizophrenia, epilepsy, and various headache disorders not only contribute to the global health burden but profoundly affect cognitive function and quality of life. The complexities of these diseases involve multiple pathological processes including inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysregulation, which ultimately influence synaptic signaling and cognitive integrity. Revolutionary technologies like MACE, single cell, spatial transcriptomic, and other omics technologies have made it possible to understand biology in next-generation terms. Despite significant advances in our understanding of synaptic functions using innovative omics technologies, effective therapies targeting these proteins remain underdeveloped.

Goal
This Research Topic aims to unveil the fundamentals and intricacies of synaptic proteins within neurological diseases, exploring cellular, metabolic, lipid, and molecular alterations. It seeks to elucidate the mechanisms through which synaptic proteins influence disease progression and their potential in signaling pathways across a spectrum of neurodevelopmental to neurodegenerative disorders. By understanding these cross-talk mechanisms, the research gathered here intends to lay the groundwork for innovative therapeutic strategies that target synaptic dysfunction.

Scope and information for authors
To enhance our knowledge and treatment approaches within this domain, we welcome the submission of various types of articles (including Original Research, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, and Perspective articles) that advance our understanding of synaptic functions and their potential therapeutic implications in neurological diseases. Possible themes addressed by the manuscripts should include, but not be limited to, the following areas:
- Novel discoveries in synaptic protein functions and dysfunctions across behavioral, anatomical, electrophysical, and genetic studies in various NDs.
- The complex interactions and cross-talk between synaptic proteins and other cellular pathways, contributing to the onset and progression of diseases such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Autism Spectrum Disorders, schizophrenia, and epilepsy.
- Development of therapeutic strategies based on targeting synapses to potentially reverse or ameliorate phenotypic manifestations of neurological diseases.
- Insights gained from advanced methodologies and technologies, such as single-cell analysis, spatial transcriptomics, and other omics technologies, that pave the way for novel discoveries in synaptic biology.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Neurological diseases, Presynaptic proteins, Parkinson disease, Postsynaptic proteins, Synapse, Synaptic Dysfunction, Omics Technologies, Therapeutic Targets, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Synaptic Signaling

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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