About this Research Topic
Plasticity mechanisms in the brain display notable sex-based distinctions, influencing behavior, molecular signaling, physiology, and morphology, as well as the response to environmental stimuli. Many of such sex-based differences are steered by the endocrine system, but hormone levels are not the only determinants since some disparities emerge specifically in reaction to challenges. Also, prenatal or early life experiences can induce sex-dependent changes in the development and function of cellular circuits impacting molecular, and physiological mechanisms and behavior. Lasting changes have been observed in different brain areas and cell types, and external systems like the microbiome also play a sex-dependent role in CNS plasticity.
The goal of this topic is to highlight the intricate relationship between biological sex and neuroplasticity in both healthy and disease states. We wish to give a rounded view of the different models and the different techniques that can be used to tackle this problem, presenting recent advances as well as overviews of the plasticity mechanisms activated in males and females in typical development, and in response to challenges and pharmacological treatments. While we reckon that studies on gender are relevant, the extension of the subject does not allow the discussion of biological sex and gender in the same topic, hence we will limit the discussion to biological sex.
To highlight the sex-dependent mechanisms of synaptic and brain plasticity, we welcome submissions of both research and review papers presenting molecular physiological, structural, and behavioral analyses of cellular models and in vivo systems. The choice of the studied organisms is open, encompassing studies on animal and cellular models as well as human participants. We also welcome comparative studies across species as well as papers, presenting aspects of the same research in correlated studies. We also welcome the presentation of techniques and procedures aimed at refining the strategies to measure sex differences in plasticity. Finally, we welcome manuscripts describing clinical studies focused on sex differences in the plasticity process.
The goal of this topic is to highlight the intricate relationship between biological sex and neuroplasticity in both healthy and disease states. We wish to give a rounded view of the different models and the different techniques that can be used to tackle this problem, presenting recent advances as well as overviews of the plasticity mechanisms activated in males and females in typical development, and in response to challenges and pharmacological treatments. While we reckon that studies on gender are relevant, the extension of the subject does not allow the discussion of biological sex and gender in the same topic, hence we will limit the discussion to biological sex.
To highlight the sex-dependent mechanisms of synaptic and brain plasticity, we welcome submissions of both research and review papers presenting molecular physiological, structural, and behavioral analyses of cellular models and in vivo systems. The choice of the studied organisms is open, encompassing studies on animal and cellular models as well as human participants. We also welcome comparative studies across species as well as papers, presenting aspects of the same research in correlated studies. We also welcome the presentation of techniques and procedures aimed at refining the strategies to measure sex differences in plasticity. Finally, we welcome manuscripts describing clinical studies focused on sex differences in the plasticity process.
Keywords: Biological sex, synaptic plasticity, animal models, induced pluripotent cell cultures, organoids, brain, neurons, glia, microglia, hormones
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