RNA-Binding proteins' role in synaptic plasticity and neurological disorders

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play a crucial role in the post-transcriptional regulation of RNA expression, a finely tuned mechanism essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis.

Dysfunctions in this process are linked to a variety of genetic and somatic disorders, particularly within the central nervous system (CNS), including neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Fragile X syndrome.
RBPs recognize specific RNA binding domains, forming dynamic ribonucleoprotein complexes that regulate various RNA processes, including splicing, editing, and translation. These proteins are vital for synaptic function, influencing dendritic spine plasticity and morphology, which are critical for learning and memory. Despite significant advances, the precise molecular mechanisms by which RBPs influence neuronal function remain inadequately understood.
Current research has highlighted the importance of RBPs in synaptic plasticity, yet there is a need for more comprehensive studies to elucidate their roles in both physiological and pathological conditions.

This Research Topic aims to explore the molecular mechanisms regulated by RBPs and their impact on neuronal function in both health and disease. The objective is to advance our understanding of how RBPs contribute to RNA expression control and synaptic plasticity, and to identify novel methods for studying these proteins.
By focusing on the development and application of innovative techniques, both in vivo and in vitro investigations, the collection seeks to uncover new insights into the roles of RBPs in neurobiology, developmental neurobiology, psychiatry, and psychology.

To gather further insights into the role of RBPs in CNS pathologies, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Description of new technical approaches to identify RBP functions, including RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA stability control.
- Investigation of how RBPs contribute to RNA expression control.
- Evidence for common mechanisms involving RBPs.
- Characterization of RBPs' roles in neurological disorders.
- Compilation of a general list of potential RBPs involved in neural disorders.
- Comprehensive collection of RBP mechanisms in both physiological and pathological conditions.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: post-transcriptional control, RBPs, RNA stability, splicing regulation, CNS, RNA expression, neurodegeneration, neurodevelopment, AD, ALS, FMRP, mRNA, synaptic dysregulation

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.