Chronic stress can profoundly affect brain circuits, leading to behavioral changes that last long into adulthood. Chronic stress is also a reliable predictor of abnormal behavior associated with psychiatric disease. For example, social isolation, such as that experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic, significantly increases the risk of developing schizophrenia-spectrum disorder. Physically abused children are more likely to be arrested for a violent crime, and individuals suffering from PTSD are 3 to 5 times more likely to have a major depressive disorder. Despite these unfortunate trends, there are few long-term and long-lasting treatments for abnormal behavior caused by chronic stress. A more thorough examination of the circuit mechanisms is essential.
Animal models have been instrumental in revealing how the brain is changed by stress and how these modifications can lead to profound behavioral abnormalities. Changes at the level of the cell are known as neuroplasticity. Traditionally seen as a mechanism for learning and memory, neuroplasticity is increasingly being appreciated for its role in altering innate and adaptive behavioral responses, particularly those affected by stress. Moreover, recent studies have demonstrated that by inducing plasticity within specific brain circuits, many of the deleterious effects of chronic stress can be mitigated. These studies have significantly benefited from the plethora of genetic tools that are now being used in more complex animal models, such as non-human primates, and recently humans. The potential for these tools to treat abnormal behavior brought on by chronic stress is immense.
In this Research Topic, we invite manuscripts of original research and reviews that elucidate the role of chronic stress on neuroplasticity, leading to abnormal and, in some cases, pathological behavior. We also invite submissions that use novel tools or pharmacology in a variety of animal models, including humans, to augment plasticity within brain circuits as a means of treating symptoms brought on by chronic stress. Topics can include, but are not limited to:
• The role of early life stress in synaptic remodeling leading to chronic and maladaptive behavior in the adult
• Pharmacological interventions for the treatment of chronic stress-induced abnormal behavior.
• Intrinsic plasticity as a determinant for susceptibility to chronic stress.
• Novel techniques for probing stress circuitry.
• Models of socially transmitted chronic stress.
• Human and non-human primate studies linking chronic stress to changes in brain connectivity.
• Environmental enrichment as a potential treatment for abnormal behavior brought on by chronic stress.
• Epigenetic factors that make individuals more susceptible to chronic stress that drives abnormal behavior.
• Identification of novel cell types in chronic stress circuitry for interrogating their function in pathological behavior. ?
Chronic stress can profoundly affect brain circuits, leading to behavioral changes that last long into adulthood. Chronic stress is also a reliable predictor of abnormal behavior associated with psychiatric disease. For example, social isolation, such as that experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic, significantly increases the risk of developing schizophrenia-spectrum disorder. Physically abused children are more likely to be arrested for a violent crime, and individuals suffering from PTSD are 3 to 5 times more likely to have a major depressive disorder. Despite these unfortunate trends, there are few long-term and long-lasting treatments for abnormal behavior caused by chronic stress. A more thorough examination of the circuit mechanisms is essential.
Animal models have been instrumental in revealing how the brain is changed by stress and how these modifications can lead to profound behavioral abnormalities. Changes at the level of the cell are known as neuroplasticity. Traditionally seen as a mechanism for learning and memory, neuroplasticity is increasingly being appreciated for its role in altering innate and adaptive behavioral responses, particularly those affected by stress. Moreover, recent studies have demonstrated that by inducing plasticity within specific brain circuits, many of the deleterious effects of chronic stress can be mitigated. These studies have significantly benefited from the plethora of genetic tools that are now being used in more complex animal models, such as non-human primates, and recently humans. The potential for these tools to treat abnormal behavior brought on by chronic stress is immense.
In this Research Topic, we invite manuscripts of original research and reviews that elucidate the role of chronic stress on neuroplasticity, leading to abnormal and, in some cases, pathological behavior. We also invite submissions that use novel tools or pharmacology in a variety of animal models, including humans, to augment plasticity within brain circuits as a means of treating symptoms brought on by chronic stress. Topics can include, but are not limited to:
• The role of early life stress in synaptic remodeling leading to chronic and maladaptive behavior in the adult
• Pharmacological interventions for the treatment of chronic stress-induced abnormal behavior.
• Intrinsic plasticity as a determinant for susceptibility to chronic stress.
• Novel techniques for probing stress circuitry.
• Models of socially transmitted chronic stress.
• Human and non-human primate studies linking chronic stress to changes in brain connectivity.
• Environmental enrichment as a potential treatment for abnormal behavior brought on by chronic stress.
• Epigenetic factors that make individuals more susceptible to chronic stress that drives abnormal behavior.
• Identification of novel cell types in chronic stress circuitry for interrogating their function in pathological behavior. ?
