About this Research Topic
Neurons, the brain's fundamental units, play a crucial role in information transmission, critically relying on synapses for neurotransmitter and neuromodulator release through exocytosis. This synaptic exocytosis is specialized, distinct from the constitutive exocytosis pathways of non-neuronal cells, involving unique regulatory components and mechanisms. Recent advancements have expanded our understanding, showing that neurons also engage in constitutive and stress-induced exocytosis similar to non-neuronal cells and release extracellular vesicles for intercellular communication and waste elimination. Furthermore, emerging research suggests neurons may also expel damaged mitochondria via yet unidentified exocytosis pathways, highlighting a complex array of neuron-specific and shared exocytosis mechanisms. These discoveries prompt questions about whether a unified theory could apply across these diverse exocytosis pathways or if distinct evolutionary pressures have shaped these mechanisms.
This Research Topic aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of various neuronal exocytosis types, contributing significantly to our understanding of neuron function and pathology. The focus will be on shedding light on these complex and specialized processes, potentially influencing both basic neuroscience and clinical approaches to neurological and psychiatric disorders.
To advance the research in this field, this topic will cover but is not limited to the following areas:
- Discovery of novel neuronal exocytosis pathways.
- Detailed studies on the molecular mechanisms of specific neuronal exocytosis pathways.
- Comparative analyses of different neuronal exocytosis mechanisms.
- Discussions on the implications of these findings for applied and translational medicine, aiming to bridge gaps between bench research and clinical applications.
This Research Topic aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of various neuronal exocytosis types, contributing significantly to our understanding of neuron function and pathology. The focus will be on shedding light on these complex and specialized processes, potentially influencing both basic neuroscience and clinical approaches to neurological and psychiatric disorders.
To advance the research in this field, this topic will cover but is not limited to the following areas:
- Discovery of novel neuronal exocytosis pathways.
- Detailed studies on the molecular mechanisms of specific neuronal exocytosis pathways.
- Comparative analyses of different neuronal exocytosis mechanisms.
- Discussions on the implications of these findings for applied and translational medicine, aiming to bridge gaps between bench research and clinical applications.
Keywords: Exocytosis, Synapse, Neuron, Synaptic vesicle, Dense-core vesicle, Extracellular vesicle, Exosome, Membrane fusion
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.
