Neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and multiple sclerosis, are major causes of disability and mortality, especially as the global population ages. These disorders are complex, with genetic factors playing a key role in their onset and progression. While significant progress has been made in understanding the genetic basis of these diseases, our knowledge is still limited, particularly regarding how genetic and environmental factors interact across the life course to influence disease risk and outcomes.

This Research Topic seeks to highlight the genetic risk of neurological disorders through a population science perspective, focusing on how genetic vulnerabilities, combined with environmental influences across different life stages, contribute to disease risk. We also aim to explore how genetic factors may preserve normal functioning despite high risk of these disorders.

We invite submissions of original research, reviews, and meta-analyses that address the following key themes:

Genetic factors influencing disease risk:
Studies that focus on the identification of genetic variants contributing to the risk of neurological disorders. This includes studies examining neuroimaging, cognitive, and cerebrospinal fluid endophenotypes.

Genetic factors influencing disease resilience:
Manuscripts investigating genetic factors that contribute to resilience in individuals at high risk for neurological disorders, particularly in aging populations. This could include individuals who preserve normal functioning despite the presence of pathological or structural changes of the disease.

Gene-environment interactions in disease risk and resilience:
Research exploring how non-genetic factors, including but not limited to environmental exposures, infection, lifestyle and behavioral factors, and social determinants of health, interact with genetic predispositions to influence the risk and resilience of neurological disorders.

Longitudinal and life-course epidemiological studies:
We encourage submissions applying longitudinal methods to investigate how genetic and environmental factors across different life stages impact the risk and resilience of neurological disorders. Identifying critical age windows will help guide the development of more effective, targeted interventions.

Multi-omic approaches:
We welcome studies that utilize integrative multi-omic approaches (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, etc.) to uncover biological pathways contributing to the risk and resilience of neurological disorders.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) approaches:
We encourage studies using AI/ML to integrate multimodal data to uncover complex relationships between genetic and environmental factors. These approaches can provide novel insights into personalized risk profiling, early detection, and disease mechanisms across neurological disorders.

Multi-ancestral approaches:
We seek research that investigates how genetic risk and resilience of neurological disorders varies across different ancestral populations. This will inform precision medicine approaches in the prevention and treatment of neurological disorders.

Sex as a biological variable:
We invite studies examining how sex differences influence the risk and resilience of neurological disorders. Research should explore how biological sex interacts with genetic factors, environmental exposures, and aging to affect disease outcomes.

Translational approaches:
We invite submissions that focus on translating findings into practical clinical applications. This includes the development of prediction tools for early diagnosis, novel therapeutic targets, and personalized intervention strategies based on genetic and/or environmental profiles.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Understanding the Genetic Basis of Neurological Disorders: Risk, Resilience, and Beyond