Advances in the Physiopathology of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Neurobiology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 June 2025 | Viewed by 20
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Neuronal development is a continuous and highly dynamic process starting in embryonic stages and becoming further defined throughout childhood and adolescence. The maturation of neuronal networks depends on key mechanisms leading the developmental course, including neuroprogenitor proliferation, neuronal differentiation, migration and synaptogenesis. This dynamic process involves multiple cell types and specific interactions with microglia, astrocytes and oligodendrocyte that drive the building and maintenance of functional neuronal networks in the brain. Pitfalls in this highly complex machinery underlie brain disorders, the clinical manifestations of which depend on the age of onset and the extent of the damage. In recent decades, studies of brain disorders of genetic origin have allowed us to delve into the molecular mechanisms underlying the most common neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as intellectual disabilities, epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this context, the critical relevance of selected cellular pathways for neuronal function has emerged. Indeed, pathogenetic variants in genes involved in ionic channel function, synaptic transmission, endo-lysosomal homeostasis and intracellular trafficking are commonly known to underlie several neurodevelopmental phenotypes in human patients.
Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of NDDs is crucial for developing innovative and targeted therapies. This Special Issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences aims to bring together state-of-the-art original research and reviews on novel advances in the physiopathology of a wide range of NDDs, including cortical malformations, developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs), intellectual disabilities, ASD and epilepsies.
Dr. Antonio Falace
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- neuronal development
- synaptogenesis
- developmental and epileptic encephalopathy
- epilepsy
- biomarkers
- neuroimmunology
- translational research
- cortical malformation
- neurodegeneration
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