Recent Progress in Understanding Plasticity in Neurogenetic Disorders

Abstract

Basic research in the field of neurogenetic disorders will continue to expand our knowledge concerning the development and function of the nervous system. The greatest challenges in the field of neurogenetic disorders are defining the molecular mechanisms by which genetic mutations confer disease risk and phenotype. Neural plasticity involves a series of dynamic cellular events that orchestrate structural and functional alterations in response to experience. The study of neural plasticity provides a basic and powerful approach for unraveling the complexities of the nervous system. Investigations of plastic changes in neurogenetic diseases will shed light on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern function of the nervous system, in turn, leading to the discovery of potential therapeutic targets for conditions including mental impairment, neurodegeneration, epilepsy, and autism. This special issue has targeted the most recent developments in neural plasticity as regards neurogenetic disorders. More than twenty laboratories worldwide have contributed to this special issue. The contributions have showcased the current efforts in understanding neural plastic changes and the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms in patients and animal models of neurogenetic disorders, including a wide range of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, the most promising therapeutic strategies for treating these disorders have been reviewed.