About this Research Topic
Synaptic changes are an early feature of all neurodegenerative diseases, impacting brain structure and function. Given the plastic nature of synapses, they represent an enticing target for early intervention, however, a more detailed understanding of disease-associated molecular and anatomical changes is required. This is particularly true for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), two seemingly disparate diseases with significant clinical, genetic, and pathological overlap. This overlap suggests that differing disease triggers may initiate mechanisms that converge on similar pathological pathways. In this Research Topic, we shall focus on the anatomical and molecular changes that occur at the ALS/FTD synapse and discuss what influence these may have on disease. Advances in this area will significantly increase our understanding of ALS/FTD and may highlight novel ways to halt progression at the earliest stages.
Synapses mediate the transfer of information between neurons and their function is critical for normal brain activity. Given this central role, it is unsurprising that synaptic dysfunction is common in diseases of the brain. However, studying synaptic structure, composition and function can be difficult due to their size and number. Advances in elctrophysiological techniques allow neurons to be analysed at a network level, providing insight into their synaptic connectivity and synchronous activity. New high-resolution imaging approaches have enabled researchers to study individual synapses at nanometre resolution, providing important detail at an anatomical and molecular level. Furthermore, large omics approaches are revealing synaptic composition in ever more detail. Taking advantage of these new tools and techniques in the field of ALS/FTD will begin to unlock the early mechanisms of synaptic pathology.
This Research Topic aims to summarise the current knowledge of synaptic change in ALS/FTD and highlight new discoveries and technologies for studying synaptic pathology.
We would welcome original research, reviews, and technical articles on any aspect of synapse biology in ALS/FTD, focusing on the following three key themes:
1 – Synaptic dysfunction in ALS/FTD
2 – Molecular or anatomical changes in ALS/FTD synapses
3 – New techniques for studying synaptic form or function
Synaptic pathology can result from autonomous or non-autonomous influences and we would also welcome submissions that address this point.
Synapses mediate the transfer of information between neurons and their function is critical for normal brain activity. Given this central role, it is unsurprising that synaptic dysfunction is common in diseases of the brain. However, studying synaptic structure, composition and function can be difficult due to their size and number. Advances in elctrophysiological techniques allow neurons to be analysed at a network level, providing insight into their synaptic connectivity and synchronous activity. New high-resolution imaging approaches have enabled researchers to study individual synapses at nanometre resolution, providing important detail at an anatomical and molecular level. Furthermore, large omics approaches are revealing synaptic composition in ever more detail. Taking advantage of these new tools and techniques in the field of ALS/FTD will begin to unlock the early mechanisms of synaptic pathology.
This Research Topic aims to summarise the current knowledge of synaptic change in ALS/FTD and highlight new discoveries and technologies for studying synaptic pathology.
We would welcome original research, reviews, and technical articles on any aspect of synapse biology in ALS/FTD, focusing on the following three key themes:
1 – Synaptic dysfunction in ALS/FTD
2 – Molecular or anatomical changes in ALS/FTD synapses
3 – New techniques for studying synaptic form or function
Synaptic pathology can result from autonomous or non-autonomous influences and we would also welcome submissions that address this point.
Keywords: Communication Breakdown: Synaptic pathology in ALS/FTD
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.
