Biomarker Discovery and Validation in Neurological Diseases, volume II

This Research Topic is the second volume following the success of Biomarker Discovery and Validation in Neurological Diseases, building on the momentum and open questions raised in that first collection to deepen the conversation and push the field further forward.

Cellular neuropathology lies at the forefront of unraveling the complex mechanisms that drive neuronal damage and disease across the central nervous system. Despite substantial advances in neuroscience, the understanding of cellular processes underpinning the onset, progression, and heterogeneity of neurological disorders remains incomplete. A predominant challenge in this field relates to identifying robust biomarkers that can provide quantitative, non-invasive insights into underlying pathology at a cellular level—a key to enhancing diagnosis, prognostication, and targeted therapy.

Recent research has significantly expanded the pool of candidate biomarkers—including molecular, genetic, imaging, and fluid-based indicators—with some promising findings. However, many challenges persist. Issues surrounding specificity, sensitivity, accessibility, and validation continue to limit the clinical translation of these markers, particularly in moving from laboratory-based discovery to practical implementation. Additionally, debates remain concerning the reliability and utility of peripheral biomarkers, the standardization of analytical approaches, and the physiological relevance of findings in diverse populations and disease states.

This Research Topic aims to bridge fundamental cellular mechanisms with clinically meaningful biomarkers in neurological diseases, spanning neuromalignancies, neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, and neuropsychiatric disorders. The central goal is to accelerate the discovery and validation of cellular biomarkers that can reveal early pathological changes, predict disease course, and guide therapeutic interventions. Emphasis will be placed on innovative, interdisciplinary research—including advanced computational models and deep learning approaches—that move beyond traditional biomarker identification to integrate experimental data with clinical needs. By fostering open dialogue, rigorous methodology, and translational focus, this Research Topic seeks to address outstanding challenges and skepticism in the biomarker field, particularly for peripheral and biofluid-based indicators, with the ultimate aim of improving patient care through better diagnostics and personalized medicine.

The scope of this Research Topic is defined by the intersection of cellular neuropathology, disease modeling, and biomarker application, with a focus on mechanistic studies and clinically relevant research that advances our understanding of cellular damage in neurological disorders. We will not consider randomized clinical trials or research without direct reference to cellular mechanisms of disease. To gather further insights in this area, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Discovery, characterization, and validation of cellular and tissue-based biomarkers in neurological disorders
• Integration of molecular, proteomic, genetic, epigenetic, and imaging biomarkers in neuropathological research
• Application of artificial intelligence and computational tools for biomarker discovery and disease modeling
• Strategies for utilizing biofluids and minimally invasive approaches in biomarker research relevant to cellular pathology
• Advances in translational models (including animal, organoid, and patient-derived systems) for biomarker identification
• Analysis of the relationship between biomarkers and disease mechanisms in neurodevelopment, aging, and across diverse pathological processes

Article types and fees

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

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• 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
• Case Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Neurological Biomarkers, CNS Validation, Epigenetic Markers, AI Discovery, Biofluid Analysis

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.