Neurodegeneration is the gradual and progressive loss of neuron function and structure that ultimately leads to neuronal death. This phenomenon underlies a spectrum of debilitating disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The hallmark of neurodegeneration is the aggregation of misfolded proteins, such as amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles in Alzheimer's or alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's, which disrupt cellular processes and trigger neuroinflammatory responses. Mitochondrial dysfunction is another critical factor, as impaired energy production and increased oxidative stress contribute to neuronal damage and apoptosis.
Genetic factors also play a significant role in neurodegeneration. Mutations in specific genes can increase the risk of developing these diseases. For instance, mutations in the APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 genes are linked to early-onset Alzheimer’s, while mutations in the SNCA gene are associated with familial Parkinson's disease.
Current research employs advanced techniques like genomics, proteomics, and neuroimaging to understand neurodegenerative processes better. These efforts have led to the identification of potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and monitoring. Therapeutic strategies under investigation include gene therapy, immunotherapy, and small molecule drugs designed to target the pathological proteins and restore normal cellular functions. Despite significant strides, the heterogeneous nature of neurodegenerative diseases poses substantial challenges, highlighting the need for personalized medicine approaches. Continued research is essential to unravel the complex mechanisms of neurodegeneration and develop effective treatments to improve patient outcomes.
Therefore, this Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive, contemporary collection of research that focus on decoding neurodegeneration. We welcome Original Research Articles, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, Systematic Reviews, Perspectives, Commentaries, Data notes, and technical notes, but are not limited to the following:
• The research that focusses on genetic mutations and epigenetic modifications and contribute to neurodegeneration, aiming to understand their impact on disease susceptibility and progression
• Examine the pathways involved in neuroinflammation, including the role of microglia and astrocytes, to find ways to modulate inflammatory responses in the brain.
• Identify and validate biomarkers for early diagnosis, disease progression, and response to treatment in neurodegenerative diseases.
• Develop and refine neuroimaging technologies to visualize and track neurodegenerative processes in vivo, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and monitoring.
• Explore and optimize gene therapy, immunotherapy, and small molecule drugs to prevent or reverse neuronal damage.
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
General Commentary
Hypothesis and Theory
Methods
Mini Review
Opinion
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:
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.
