Development of Nano/Micro Approaches for Unraveling the Pathophysiology of the Nervous System

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About this Research Topic

Submission deadlines

  1. Manuscript Summary Submission Deadline 20 January 2025 | Manuscript Submission Deadline 20 April 2025

  2. This Research Topic is still accepting articles.

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Background

The nervous system's complexity poses a significant challenge to comprehending its pathophysiology. The brain is composed of an intricate network of specialized cells responsible for cognitive and motor processes that define the human experience. Researchers must navigate between molecular, cellular, and circuit mechanisms to understand neurological disorders. At a molecular level, dysregulation of the signaling cascade regulating neuronal development, cellular survival, synaptic transmission and plasticity can lead to structural and functional abnormalities contributing to neurological disorders. At the cellular level, aberrations in morphology and function make our understanding of neurological disorders harder. At the network level, impairments of connectivity in neural circuits underlie clinical symptoms of neurological disorders.

In summary, unraveling the pathophysiology of neurological disorders requires a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions among these different scales, a goal that requires innovative experimental approaches and technological solutions. By dissecting these processes, researchers can elucidate the underlying causes of neurological disorders and develop targeted interventions to mitigate their impact on patients' lives.

By harnessing the power of nano/micro approaches, researchers aim to delve deeper into the complexities of the nervous system's pathophysiology. These sophisticated techniques offer unprecedented capabilities to probe the intricacies of neuronal structure, function, and communication at the nano- and microscale levels, shedding light on aberrant processes involved in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy.
By integrating these nano/micro experimental approaches with computational models and advanced algorithms, researchers can accurately simulate, quantify, and predict complex neuronal behavior, disease processes, and differences between physio- and pathological conditions. Lastly, it is worth highlighting an accurate and more personalized drug discovery process for neurological disorders. By designing realistic and reliable in vitro models and employing high-throughput screening techniques, researchers can rapidly identify promising drug candidates and predict their efficacy in vivo. Moreover, nano/micro technologies, combined with computational modeling and algorithmic analysis, enable real-time monitoring of disease progression and response to treatment.

By combining cutting-edge technology with deep scientific insights, researchers aspire to transform the landscape of neurological research and clinical practice, ushering in a new era of precision medicine to benefit patients worldwide. In this Research Topic, we welcome submissions focusing on the following themes:

- Synthesis of new nano/micro-materials, such as nanoparticles for drug release, imaging and selective stimulation that can be used in vitro and in vivo environment for applications like tissue and focused stimulation.
- Development of nano/microtechnologies for neuronal activity recording, from high-density microelectrode arrays and/or three-dimensional electrodes, to nano/microscale probes for detecting of relevant cellular parameters both in vitro and in vivo.
- Experimental and computational models on different scales of investigation, from molecular to system level, that allow significant breakthroughs in the investigation of brain functions in physiological conditions and highlight structural and functional changes occurring in response to pathologies.
- Development of novel techniques, analyses, and algorithms that highlight and integrate common aspects on different scales. Examples may include synchronization, plasticity, identification of oscillation patterns.
- Opinions on the integration of multidisciplinary data and their accessibility from a wide community of researchers.
We are excited to welcome a diverse battery of contributions, including original research articles, in-depth reviews, bold opinions, and innovative methodologies.

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
  • Conceptual Analysis
  • Data Report
  • Editorial
  • General Commentary
  • Hypothesis and Theory

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

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
  • Conceptual Analysis
  • Data Report
  • Editorial
  • General Commentary
  • Hypothesis and Theory
  • Methods
  • Mini Review
  • Opinion
  • Original Research
  • Perspective
  • Review
  • Systematic Review
  • Technology and Code

Keywords: neuropathies, nano/micro-materials, nano/micro technologies, nano/micro transducers, drug discovery, drug delivery, imaging, selective stimulation, in vitro, in vivo, computational models, structural and functional connectivity, plasticity

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