About this Research Topic

Background

This Research Topic is dedicated to the role of trace metals in the healthy and diseased brain.

Essential trace metals play an unique role in the central nervous system (CNS) and the knowledge of the role of these neuro-metals has been considerably improved by their more efficient detection in the brain tissues and cells, imaging of metal-ion movement on the cellular level, studies on the function of trace metals as neuromodulators at the synapse, and studies on the impact of trace metals on gene expression, protein function and folding, and metabolism. Despite these efforts, still many fundamental issues concerning trace metal biology in the CNS remain unresolved. Neuro-Metallomics unifies different disciplines from chemistry to biological sciences, building on discoveries on the role of metals, metalloids and trace elements using a quantitative systems approach together with new insights into the functions of metals on cellular and subcellular level.

At the molecular level, variations on neuro-metals have impact on gene expression, protein activity and structure, as well as influence synaptic neurotransmission. Apart from the many signaling and metabolic pathways in the CNS that trace metals are involved, some metals such as zinc have a particular role in neurogenesis, neuronal migration and differentiation, and synaptic plasticity. Others, such as molybdenum, copper, and selenium, have been reported involved in neurodegeneration and epilepsy. It is therefore not surprising that deficiency or excess of trace metals has been shown to contribute to alterations in behavior, abnormal CNS development, and neurological diseases, but may also play a role in aging. Thus, it is of particular interest to examine the physiological/pathological mechanisms by which trace metals are involved in the etiology of brain disorders and neural plasticity.

Nowadays, it is recognized that alterations in the content of trace metals in the brain occur frequently associated with neurological, neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. The key for the development of treatment strategies for these disorders is a better understanding of the underlying patho-mechanisms. Recent years have seen important progress in the understanding of specific aspects of the neurobiology of certain brain disorders but also in the understanding of shared common factors between disorders. Given that altered metal homeostasis is such a shared factor, targeting trace metal homeostasis for the development of novel treatments is a rapidly emerging field of neuroscience research.

This Research Topic covers the physiology of trace metals and underpinning pathology of alterations in metals in the CNS. We think that this compilation of novel research papers and reviews will be a step towards better understanding of the many facets of trace metal biology in the brain and we are delighted to introduce this
Research Topic to the readers. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:
• Analytical approaches to characterize metallomes or recent developments in bioimaging of trace metals in the CNS.
• Structural and functional studies of metal-containing biomolecules that provide insight into their physiological or pathological molecular mechanisms in the brain.
• Studies on the role of trace metals during CNS development and aging, and in neurophysiology.
• Studies on trace metals relevant to human brain disorders from subcellular level up to a system-wide response to a disease process.

Keywords: zinc, trace element, metallomics, metallodrugs, metal ion

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.

Frequently asked questions

• What is a Research Topic?

  Frontiers' Research Topics are collaborative hubs built around an emerging theme.Defined, managed, and led by renowned researchers, they bring communities together around a shared area of interest to stimulate collaboration and innovation.

  Unlike section journals, which serve established specialty communities, Research Topics are pioneer hubs, responding to the evolving scientific landscape and catering to new communities.

• Why does Frontiers publish Research Topics? 

  The goal of Frontiers' publishing program is to empower research communities to actively steer the course of scientific publishing. Our program was implemented as a three-part unit with fixed field journals, flexible specialty sections, and dynamically emerging Research Topics, connecting communities of different sizes and maturity.

  Research Topics originate from the scientific community. Many of our Research Topics are suggested by existing editorial board members who have identified critical challenges or areas of interest in their field.

• Why are Research Topics important for journals?

  As an editor, Research Topics will help you build your journal, as well as your community, around emerging, cutting-edge research. As research trailblazers, Research Topics attract high-quality submissions from leading experts all over the world.

  A thriving Research Topic can potentially evolve into a new specialty section if there is sustained interest and a growing community around it.

• How do we ensure the quality of articles within Research Topics?

  Each Research Topic must be approved by the specialty chief editor, and it falls under the editorial oversight of our editorial boards, supported by our in-house research integrity team. The same standards and rigorous peer review processes apply to articles published as part of a Research Topic as for any other article we publish.

  In 2023, 80% of the Research Topics we published were edited or co-edited by our editorial board members, who are already familiar with their journal's scope, ethos, and publishing model. All other topics are guest edited by leaders in their field, each vetted and formally approved by the specialty chief editor.

• What are the benefits of publishing my article in a Research Topic?

  Publishing your article within a Research Topic with other related articles increases its discoverability and visibility, which can lead to more views, downloads, and citations. Research Topics grow dynamically as more published articles are added, causing frequent revisiting, and further visibility.

  As Research Topics are multidisciplinary, they are cross-listed in several fields and section journals – increasing your reach even more and giving you the chance to expand your network and collaborate with researchers in different fields, all focusing on expanding knowledge around the same important topic.

  Our larger Research Topics are also converted into ebooks and receive social media promotion from our digital marketing team.

   
• What types of articles can be published in a Research Topic?

  Frontiers offers multiple article types, but it will depend on the field and section journals in which the Research Topic will be featured. The available article types for a Research Topic will appear in the drop-down menu during the submission process.

  Check available article types here 

• Can I suggest a new Research Topic? 

  Yes, we would love to hear your ideas for a topic. Most of our Research Topics are community-led and suggested by researchers in the field. Our in-house editorial team will contact you to talk about your idea and whether you’d like to edit the topic. If you’re an early-stage researcher, we will offer you the opportunity to coordinate your topic, with the support of a senior researcher as the topic editor. 

  Suggest your topic here 

• Who leads a Research Topic? 

  A team of guest editors (called topic editors) lead their Research Topic. This editorial team oversees the entire process, from the initial topic proposal to calls for participation, the peer review, and final publications.

  The team may also include topic coordinators, who help the topic editors send calls for participation, liaise with topic editors on abstracts, and support contributing authors. In some cases, they can also be assigned as reviewers.

• What is the role of a topic editor?

  As a topic editor (TE), you will take the lead on all editorial decisions for the Research Topic, starting with defining its scope. This allows you to curate research around a topic that interests you, bring together different perspectives from leading researchers across different fields and shape the future of your field. 

   

  You will choose your team of co-editors, curate a list of potential authors, send calls for participation and oversee the peer review process, accepting or recommending rejection for each manuscript submitted.

• What support will I receive when editing a new Research Topic? 

  As a topic editor, you're supported at every stage by our in-house team. You will be assigned a single point of contact to help you on both editorial and technical matters. Your topic is managed through our user-friendly online platform, and the peer review process is supported by our industry-first AI review assistant (AIRA).

• As a junior researcher, can I be involved in editing a Research Topic? 

  If you’re an early-stage researcher, we will offer you the opportunity to coordinate your topic, with the support of a senior researcher as the topic editor. This provides you with valuable editorial experience, improving your ability to critically evaluate research articles and enhancing your understanding of the quality standards and requirements for scientific publishing, as well as the opportunity to discover new research in your field, and expand your professional network.

• Can I get a certificate for editing a Research Topic?

  Yes, certificates can be issued on request. We are happy to provide a certificate for your contribution to editing a successful Research Topic.

• Who will I collaborate with?

  Research Topics thrive on collaboration and their multi-disciplinary approach around emerging, cutting-edge themes, attract leading researchers from all over the world.

• How long does it take to publish a Research Topic?

  As a topic editor, you can set the timeline for your Research Topic, and we will work with you at your pace. Typically, Research Topics are online and open for submissions within a few weeks and remain open for participation for 6 – 12 months. Individual articles within a Research Topic are published as soon as they are ready.

  Find out more about our Research Topics

• What fee support is available to authors publishing in a Research Topic?

  Our fee support program ensures that all articles that pass peer review, including those published in Research Topics, can benefit from open access – regardless of the author's field or funding situation.

  Authors and institutions with insufficient funding can apply for a discount on their publishing fees. A fee support application form is available on our website.

• Will there be a printed version of my Research Topic?

  In line with our mission to promote healthy lives on a healthy planet, we do not provide printed materials. All our articles and ebooks are available under a CC-BY license, so you can share and print copies.