Neurotrophic factors or neurotrophins are proteins that promote the survival and development of neurons, especially during development. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the nerve growth factor (NFG) or neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) are great examples of these proteins. Moreover, they are known to be powerful plastic inductors when expressed or administered in the adult nervous system. For instance, administration of BDNF or activation of its receptor, the tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), during adulthood produces electrophysiologic, synaptic, and structural plasticity among other phenomena. Agonists and antagonists of neurotrophin receptors can also modulate neural plasticity, being promising candidates to target as novel therapeutic approaches against neuropsychiatric diseases, including major depressive disorder, schizophrenia or autism spectrum disorders.
The goal of this Research Topic is to raise awareness of the use of molecules promoting or antagonizing the effect of neurotrophic factors, especially neural plasticity, in the adult brain. These molecules include neurotrophic factors, their derivatives, or agonists/antagonists of their receptors.
We welcome submissions, including Original Research articles and Reviews, focusing on the use of any neurotrophin and their derivatives, as well as substances (natural or synthetic) that act as modulators of their expression or the activity of their receptors. The articles must focus on regions of the central nervous system. We will also take into consideration studies on glial cells or any neuronal type, including either excitatory or inhibitory neurons. Articles focusing on neuropsychiatric disorders and potential therapeutic drug targets are particularly encouraged.
Neurotrophic factors or neurotrophins are proteins that promote the survival and development of neurons, especially during development. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the nerve growth factor (NFG) or neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) are great examples of these proteins. Moreover, they are known to be powerful plastic inductors when expressed or administered in the adult nervous system. For instance, administration of BDNF or activation of its receptor, the tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), during adulthood produces electrophysiologic, synaptic, and structural plasticity among other phenomena. Agonists and antagonists of neurotrophin receptors can also modulate neural plasticity, being promising candidates to target as novel therapeutic approaches against neuropsychiatric diseases, including major depressive disorder, schizophrenia or autism spectrum disorders.
The goal of this Research Topic is to raise awareness of the use of molecules promoting or antagonizing the effect of neurotrophic factors, especially neural plasticity, in the adult brain. These molecules include neurotrophic factors, their derivatives, or agonists/antagonists of their receptors.
We welcome submissions, including Original Research articles and Reviews, focusing on the use of any neurotrophin and their derivatives, as well as substances (natural or synthetic) that act as modulators of their expression or the activity of their receptors. The articles must focus on regions of the central nervous system. We will also take into consideration studies on glial cells or any neuronal type, including either excitatory or inhibitory neurons. Articles focusing on neuropsychiatric disorders and potential therapeutic drug targets are particularly encouraged.
