The developing synapse, inhibitory circuits and neurodevelopmental disorders

Studies performed over the last few years have revealed that tightly controlled developmental processes are required for the construction of functional synaptic circuits and that mutation in genes that encode for proteins that sculpt the synapse result in disruptions in brain function. Indeed, recent genomic and functional studies have found that mutations in synaptic proteins are often associated with neurodevelopmental disorders that range from classical mental retardation to autism to schizophrenia. The aim of this Research Topic is to bring together research articles and current views of how deficits in developmental synapse formation alter brain function. Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

1) the influence of genetic and epigenetic factors on synapse assembly,

2) the molecular and synaptic mechanisms that fine-tune excitation and inhibition during development,

3) plasticity of the brain that enables recovery from early synaptic deficits, and

4) the impact of known genetic mutations on the organization of functional synaptic circuits.

The goal is to gather in one topic state of the art research on synapse development that can shed new light on the biological basis of disorders that affect brain function.