Axon Neurobiology: Updates in Functional and Structural Dynamics

Axons, the fundamental output structures of neurons, play a pivotal role in transmitting electrical signals over long distances without attenuation in the nervous system. Beyond their classical role in action potential propagation, recent discoveries have unveiled that axons exhibit significant functional and structural plasticity, adapting dynamically to neuronal activity and changes in the microenvironment. These dynamics are crucial for modulating neural circuit function, influencing subsequent synaptic transmission and signal integration in the neural circuits. Advances in microscopy, imaging, molecular biology, and electrophysiology have allowed for unprecedented insights into dynamic axonal behavior, from the axon initial segment (AIS) to the synaptic terminals. Moreover, axonal dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a key factor in various neurological disorders, including epilepsy, neurodegeneration, and traumatic injury.

This Research Topic in seeks to explore the latest developments in axon neurobiology research, highlighting mechanisms of axonal growth, maintenance, plasticity, and regeneration, while also examining how these processes are disrupted or untuned in disease. We aim to provide a comprehensive update on the functional and structural dynamics of axons in health and disease.

This Research Topic will explore the latest advances in axon neurobiology, with a focus on both functional and structural dynamics across various physiological and pathological conditions. We encourage contributions that address the following key themes:

- Axon Initial Segment (AIS) Organization and Function
- Axonal Plasticity and Structural Remodeling
- Mechanisms of Axonal Signal Propagation
- Molecular Regulation of Axonal Health
- Axonal Degeneration and Regeneration
- Axon-Glia Interactions
- Axonal Dysfunction in Neurological Disorders
- Axonal Microstructure Revealed by Novel Technology