From Molecules to Minds: Translational Breakthroughs in Preclinical Psychiatry

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue invites submissions focused on the latest advances in preclinical translational research, with an emphasis on innovative laboratory studies that explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders. We seek original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that highlight how preclinical models—from in vitro systems to in vivo animal studies—are being utilized to unravel complex psychiatric phenomena. By bridging molecular insights with translational potential, these studies hold promise for shaping future therapeutic strategies for psychiatric disorders.

Key areas of interest include research on circadian rhythm dysregulation, where the disruption of internal biological clocks plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of mood disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. We encourage studies that utilize lower animal models with altered circadian genes or environmental manipulations to deepen our understanding of circadian regulation in the brain and its potential as a target for novel interventions. In addition, sex differences in psychiatric disorders remain underexplored, and we invite contributions that investigate hormonal, genetic, and neuroanatomical differences in the context of anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other psychiatric illnesses, using animal models to uncover sex-specific pathways and treatment approaches.

This Special Issue also welcomes studies on emerging themes such as mitochondrial dysfunction in psychiatric diseases, developmental exposure to neurotoxins, and intergenerational transmission of psychiatric risk, which are garnering attention as key factors influencing psychiatric vulnerability. Additionally, we are interested in studies on cannabinoid system modulation and its potential for treating anxiety and PTSD, as well as research on adolescent neuroplasticity and synaptic pruning and psychoimmunology, where stress-induced immune responses impact psychiatric health.

Research into the potential role of phytochemicals in treating psychiatric disorders is encouraged. This Special Issue aims to explore how plant-based compounds, particularly structurally well-defined phytochemicals, can bridge the gap between molecular mechanisms and mental health treatments. Submissions showcasing translational research that advances phytochemical-based interventions from preclinical models to clinical relevance are particularly sought after.

We also invite research papers on innovative treatments like non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) in preclinical psychiatry. Submissions should focus on the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of electromagnetic stimulation in neuropsychiatric disorders, with an emphasis on techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). These topics represent promising directions for future treatments and prevention strategies.

Together, these diverse topics represent cutting-edge directions in preclinical psychiatric research, with the potential to translate into effective treatments and prevention strategies.

Dr. Masaru Tanaka
Dr. Simone Battaglia
Dr. Sandra Barbalho
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomedicines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• depression
• anxiety
• bipolar disorder
• post-traumatic stress disorder
• mental disorders
• epigenomics
• psychiatric disorders/genetics
• circadian rhythm
• sex characteristics
• mitochondrial dysfunction
• neurotoxins
• intergenerational transmission
• cannabinoid receptor modulators
• adolescent neuroplasticity
• synaptic pruning
• psychoimmunology
• preclinical studies
• translational medical research
• neuroplasticity
• neuromodulation
• phytochemicals
• plant extracts
• transcranial magnetic stimulation