Steroids and the Brain

Steroids are chemical substances that contain perhydrocyclopentanophenanthrene ring in their chemical nucleus. Steroids are synthesized in gonads, adrenal and other endocrine glands and secreted into the general circulation as hormones. Steroids and their receptors play significant roles in broad functions of the brain, such as regulation of stress, socio-sexual behavior, aggression, cognition, mood, emotion, learning and memory. However, the brain is not only the target of steroid hormones but steroids are also synthesized de novo or catalyzed in the brain. Because of the broad functions of steroids in the brain, malfunction of steroids signaling is related to a variety of mental disorders such as gender dysphoria, anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, 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 physiological and pathological standpoints, which will bring new insights to steroid actions in the brain.

Subtopics:
1. Evolution of steroids biosynthetic pathway and steroid receptors in vertebrates

2. Steroids biosynthesis in the brain
(a) Pregnenolone, (b) Progesterone, (c) Allopregnanolone, (d) Dehydroepiandrosterone, (e) Estradiol

3. Steroids effect on sexual differentiation of the brain
(a) Fish, (b) Birds, (c) Mammals

4. Steroids effect on neuroplasticity
(a) Birds, (b) Mammals

5. Steroids effect on socio-sexual behavior, aggression, adolescence, mood and emotion, learning and memory
(a) Socio-sexual behavior, (b) Aggression, (c) Adolescence, (d) Mood and Emotion, (e) Learning and Memory

6. Steroids effect on stress and neuroprotection, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder
(a) Stress and Neuroprotection, (b) Anxiety, (c) Depression, (d) Autism spectrum disorder

7. Steroids effect on aging
(a) Cognition, (b) Menopause, (c) Alzheimer’s disease