About this Research Topic
Following the success of Steroids and the Brain Vol. 1, we are now soliciting articles reporting on significant advancement of the original topics and new submissions in this dynamic field. Steroids are chemical substances that contain perhydrocyclopentanophenanthrene ring in their nucleus. Steroid hormones are synthesized in gonads, adrenal and other endocrine glands and exert a vast range of effects. Steroids and their nuclear and membrane receptors play significant roles in broad functions of the brain, such as regulation of reproduction, stress, socio-sexual behavior, aggression, cognition, mood, emotion, learning and memory.
However, the brain is not only the target of steroid hormones produced in the periphery but is also a major site of de novo synthesis and catalysis. Because of the broad functions of steroids in the brain, malfunction or chemical disruption of steroid signaling is related to a variety of mental disorders such as gender dysphoria, anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, cancer, and aging related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
This Research Topic aims to collect basic and advanced knowledge in all aspects of steroids function in the brain from an evolutionary to normal physiological viewpoint to their involvement is neuropathological conditions.
Articles should strive to bring new insights to steroid actions in the brain. Collaborations between research groups for review articles is strongly encouraged. We present a range of subtopics as guidelines. Please contact the co-editors for clarification and if you have other ideas of interest.
Subtopics:
1. Evolution of steroid biosynthetic pathway and steroid receptors in vertebrates
2. Steroid biosynthesis in the brain and pituitary
3. Steroidal involvement in sexual differentiation of the vertebrate brain
4. Steroids and neuroplasticity
5. Steroidal regulation of socio-sexual behavior, aggression, adolescence, mood and emotion,
learning and memory
6. Role of steroids in stress, neuroprotection, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum
7. Steroid effect on aging, cognition, menopause, Alzheimer’s and other neurodegerative conditions
8: Steroids and cancer in the brain
However, the brain is not only the target of steroid hormones produced in the periphery but is also a major site of de novo synthesis and catalysis. Because of the broad functions of steroids in the brain, malfunction or chemical disruption of steroid signaling is related to a variety of mental disorders such as gender dysphoria, anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, cancer, and aging related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
This Research Topic aims to collect basic and advanced knowledge in all aspects of steroids function in the brain from an evolutionary to normal physiological viewpoint to their involvement is neuropathological conditions.
Articles should strive to bring new insights to steroid actions in the brain. Collaborations between research groups for review articles is strongly encouraged. We present a range of subtopics as guidelines. Please contact the co-editors for clarification and if you have other ideas of interest.
Subtopics:
1. Evolution of steroid biosynthetic pathway and steroid receptors in vertebrates
2. Steroid biosynthesis in the brain and pituitary
3. Steroidal involvement in sexual differentiation of the vertebrate brain
4. Steroids and neuroplasticity
5. Steroidal regulation of socio-sexual behavior, aggression, adolescence, mood and emotion,
learning and memory
6. Role of steroids in stress, neuroprotection, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum
7. Steroid effect on aging, cognition, menopause, Alzheimer’s and other neurodegerative conditions
8: Steroids and cancer in the brain
Keywords: neurosteroids, sexual differentiation, sexual behaviour, aging, cancer in the brain
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.
