Microglia and the Neuronal Cytoskeleton: Druggable Targets in Neurodegeneration

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's, are complex disorders characterized by progressive neuronal death. These diseases are driven by a multitude of pathological mechanisms, such as protein aggregation, synapse loss, oxidative injury, mitochondrial dysfunction, and disrupted cellular trafficking.
Despite their varied origins, a commonality among these disorders is the presence of chronic neuroinflammation and microtubule cytoskeleton dysfunction. Microglia, the central nervous system's primary immune cells, play a crucial role in neuroinflammation, with their dysfunction linked to synapse loss and impaired phagocytosis. The neuronal cytoskeleton, particularly microtubules, is essential for maintaining neuronal structure and function, yet its role in neurodegeneration remains underexplored. Recent studies highlight the need for druggable targets that can address these multifaceted pathways, emphasizing the importance of understanding microglial heterogeneity and microtubule dynamics in the context of neurodegenerative diseases.

This research topic aims to elucidate the roles of microglia and the neuronal microtubule cytoskeleton in neurodegenerative diseases. By investigating these components, the research seeks to answer critical questions about their contributions to disease progression and potential as therapeutic targets. The goal is to explore how microglial functional states and cytoskeletal alterations can serve as markers and drivers of neurodegeneration, ultimately guiding the development of effective interventions.

To gather further insights into the interplay between microglia and the neuronal cytoskeleton in neurodegeneration, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- The role of microglial phenotypes in neuroinflammation and neuroprotection.
- Mechanisms of microglial crosstalk with neurons and other central nervous system cells.
- The impact of microtubule dynamics on synaptic function and neuronal health.
- Cytoskeletal disruptions as early markers of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Therapeutic strategies targeting microglia and the neuronal cytoskeleton.
- The influence of aging on microglial function and cytoskeletal integrity.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• ... View all formats

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Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Neurodegeneration, Neuroinflammation, Phagocytosis, Cytokines, Chemokines, Cytoskeleton, Microglia, Microtubules

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.