Dysfunctions in GABAergic Signaling in Neurological Disorders

Within both a single-cell and systematic level, homeostatic neuronal function relies on a delicate equilibrium between excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs. Achieving this complex balance involves proper coordination between excitatory, glutamatergic, and inhibitory GABAergic signaling. Although either signaling pathway can fluctuate in response to internal and external stimuli, it is critical for the balance between excitation and inhibition to adapt to these changes in order to presume normal physiology and behavior. It is well understood that imbalances between excitation and inhibition are thought to contribute and exacerbate pathology across various neurological disorders. Specifically, previous studies have noted disruptions in GABAergic signaling as a potential focal point underlying this imbalance. However, further exploration is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms of dysregulated GABAergic signaling in neurological disorders, and its overall impact on disease-related phenotypes.

The goal of this Research Topic is to present an updated collection of research showcasing the presence of dysregulated GABAergic signaling across all neurological disorders. Numerous studies have already characterized disrupted GABAergic signaling in several neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders. However, further exploration is needed to determine the underlying mechanisms that contribute to pathological changes in inhibitory signaling in the brain. Imbalanced excitation and inhibition have previously been used as potential targets for therapeutics in both clinical and preclinical research. Therefore, it is critical to understand whether this imbalance is conserved across other unexplored disorders, and if it significantly impacts the progression of the respective disease pathology of interest. This Research Topic will furthermore highlight the overall impact of dysregulated GABAergic on disease-related pathologies across a range of neurological disorders.

For this particular Research Topic, the following themes are of interest. Both review manuscripts and data-driven manuscripts are allowed for submission:

•     Functional changes in GABAergic signaling across any neurological disorder.
•     Molecular mechanisms underlying disruptions in GABAergic signaling.
•     Functional presence and/or mechanisms indicating pathological switches from inhibitory to excitatory GABAergic signaling in neurological disorders.
•     Alterations in specific GABA receptor structure, function, expression, and diversity
•     Overall impacts of dysregulated GABAergic signaling on behavior in neurological disorders.

If authors wish to submit a data-driven manuscript, research using either clinical or preclinical models may be submitted for review.

Keywords: Homeostatic Neuronal Function, Excitatory and Inhibitory Synaptic Inputs, Glutamatergic Signaling, GABAergic Signaling, Neuronal Excitation-Inhibition Balance, Neurological Disorders, GABA Receptors, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Neuropsychiatric Disorder

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.