Nervous Regeneration and Functional Recovery in the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems: Diagnostic Methods, Gene/Cell therapies, and Interventions

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About this Research Topic

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Background

The nervous system is an intricate network of nerves comprising the central and peripheral nervous systems. A deep understanding of its normal function derives from studying and analyzing neurologic disorders, such as neuropathies, that disrupt normal function. Significant progress has been made in comprehending neuropathies, with recent advancements in discovering remedies, refining analytical and diagnostic methods, and facilitating functional recoveries with gene and cell therapies. Research on peripheral neuropathies, especially GBS, CIDP, or CMT is receiving increased attention, contributing to the evolving landscape of neurological regeneration. The ENS, part of the autonomic nervous system, also known as the second brain, presents many neuropathies such as Achalasia (loss of oesophageal nerve cells controlling muscles for swallowing), and Hirschsprung’s disease (loss of nervous system in varying lengths of the colon), preventing movement of digested material and causing megacolon. Several labs have demonstrated functional recovery by transplanting cells into affected areas or replacing the lost gene or the missing gene isotype.

As topics evolve in the neurology field, they tend to become more focused, potentially overlooking broader connections and interdisciplinary insights. Neurological disorders are inherently complex and multifaceted. The goal of this Research Topic is to publish papers covering various nervous system diseases, diagnoses, and therapies for a wide range of neuropathies, whether impacting the CNS, PNS, or ENS, to provide information that can be cross-linked. Recently, significant clinical focus on different peripheral neuropathies has led to novel therapies and interventions. For example, Schwann Cell Transplantation and Neural Progenitor/Stem Cell Therapy are under investigation with promising results for promoting nerve regeneration, modulating inflammation, and improving overall nerve function. Many groups are using cell replacement therapies for functional recovery in animal models regarding ENS neuropathies. Diagnostic tools for neuropathies have become more sophisticated with the collaboration of multiple experts, including genetic testing, biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid, electrogastrography, and advanced imaging techniques, such as high-resolution manometry and capsule endoscopy. This Research Topic aims to serve as an excellent platform for publishing a variety of such papers, offering new insights for different groups. This Research Topic aims to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, as it often leads to innovative solutions and a more comprehensive understanding of complex neurologic disorders.

The scope of this Research Topic is to highlight the cutting-edge realm of diagnostic methods and gene/cell-based therapies, exploring their pivotal role in advancing the regeneration and functional recovery of the nervous system. Unraveling the intricacies of innovative interventions to provide an insightful analysis of the latest breakthroughs, methodologies, and therapeutic approaches in the field, facilitates the exchange of knowledge, which can often become highly focused within sub-fields. It hopes to contribute to the evolving landscape of neurological regeneration, shedding light on promising avenues that hold tremendous potential for the diagnosis and treatment of various CNS and PNS disorders including the Enteric Nervous System (ENS). We therefore invite manuscripts that are based on these factors. Relevant topics include, but are not limited to:
- Biomarkers/ diagnostic methods for detection of nervous regeneration and functional recovery.
- Interventions for neuropathy and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Gene therapies for neuropathy.
- Cell-based therapies for CNS and PNS-based neuropathy including ENS.

Keywords: Biomarkers, Gene therapies, Cell-based therapies, Interventions, Neuropathies

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