Interneurons are a class of neurons that play a critical role in regulating and balancing the activity of central nervous system (CNS) neural networks. The action of interneurons is essential for the coordination of a wide range of complex cognitive and behavioral processes, including sensory processing, motor control, learning, and memory. Diverse neurological and psychiatric conditions, such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, and Alzheimer's disease, have been linked to interneuron dysfunction, highlighting the importance of understanding the role of these neurons in health and disease. Interneuron dysfunction can result from genetic predisposition, developmental impairments, or injury. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of interneuron pathology is crucial for developing effective treatments for these conditions.
The goal of this Research Topic is to provide investigators with the opportunity to present their latest research on the underlying mechanisms of interneuron dysfunction and their impact on neurological and psychiatric conditions in both human studies and preclinical models.
Additionally, this article collection aims to shed light on novel therapeutic strategies that target interneurons to alleviate the symptoms of these conditions.
We welcome original research articles, reviews and method articles that cover basic, translational and clinical aspects of interneuron pathology. A range of subtopics is provided as guideline below:
Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying interneuron pathology in the brain and spinal cord
Interneuron vulnerability to CNS injury
Interneuron activity, from plasticity to pathology
Experimental or observational evidence linking interneuron pathology to neurological or psychiatric disorders
Interaction between interneurons and neural cells, whether neuronal or glial, in pathological conditions
Disruptions of circuit formation, excitation/inhibition balance, and GABAergic signaling
Contribution of non-GABAergic interneurons to pathological conditions
Sex-differences in the neurobehavioral outcomes of interneuron pathology
Use of transcranial stimulations to modulate neural circuit activity in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders
Development and use of preclinical models for assessment of interneuron dysfunction, and translational suitability in humans
Advances and perspectives on intervention to prevent or treat interneuron dysfunction
Keywords: interneuron, brain, spinal cord, GABA, development, epilepsy, psychiatric disorders
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.
