Metal Ion Interactions with Neurotrophins

Dear Colleagues,

The presence of neurotrophic factors and neurotransmitters in the surrounding neuronal environment regulates the intracellular molecular machinery that controls neuronal survival, differentiation, and synaptic transmission. Intercellular and intracellular signaling pathways sculpt neuronal circuits during brain development and regulate adaptive neuroplasticity, as well as cell survival during the entire life. Hence, dysregulation of neurotrophins signaling has been associated with several neurodegenerative disorders and age-related pathologic conditions in which metal ion homeostasis is also typically deranged. The normal consequence of this overlap is the growing evidence of the modulatory effects of various metal ions on critical roles of neurotrophic factors.

Metal ions, particularly copper, zinc, and iron, have indeed been correlated with either functional or dysfunctional neuronal outcomes. They can interfere/participate with specific receptor-mediated signaling pathways or modulate the properties of the proteins through direct interaction. In addition, metal ion availability through a well-organized intracellular/extracellular trafficking can affect a plethora of enzymes involved in pro-neurotrophins processing and, in turn, can regulate the secretion of mature forms or increase their degradation. Several other functions of trophic factors, ranging from neuronal differentiation to neurotransmitter release from synaptosomes, can be related to a still unknown variety of effects mediated by metal ions. Thus, further efforts to analyze the contribution of metals to the role of neurotrophins to guarantee neuronal physiology are still warranted.

We cordially welcome you to join us in this endeavor. Comprehensive reviews or original research articles is most welcome. We look forward to reading your contributions.

Prof. Vincenzo Giuseppe Nicoletti
Guest Editor

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• neurotrophins;
• copper;
• zinc;
• metal ions–synaptic plasticity;
• neurodegeneration;
• neuronal differentiation;
• neuroregeneration;
• neuronal differentiation.