Systemic Orchestration of Brain Networks: Neuroendocrine and Gut–Brain Insights into Functional Connectivity
A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Systems Neuroscience".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 February 2027 | Viewed by 69
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The human brain does not function in isolation; it is constantly bathed in a complex biochemical environment, where the endocrine system acts as a master conductor. Traditionally, neuroscience has focused on synaptic transmission, yet the neuroendocrine system provides a crucial regulatory layer that reshapes how brain regions communicate in real-time. Emerging evidence suggests that hormones—from the rapid effects of stress-related steroids to the rhythmic oscillations of sex hormones—act as systemic "conductors," orchestrating the functional synchronization of distant brain regions. Crucially, this orchestration extends beyond classical glands to include the gut–brain axis, where the gut microbiota serves as a pivotal metabolic and endocrine organ, influencing neural networks through bi-directional signaling.
This Special Issue, "Systemic Orchestration of Brain Networks: Neuroendocrine and Gut–Brain Insights into Functional Connectivity," aims to explore the profound impact of multi-organ signaling on the brain’s intrinsic architecture. By integrating endocrinology, microbiology and network science, this collection seeks to bridge the gap between systemic physiology and cognitive neuroscience. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive landscape of how hormones and microbial metabolites modulate the connectome, offering new perspectives on neuroplasticity, behavior and the pathophysiology of endocrine and axis-related brain disorders.
In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome.
Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Resting-state and task-based fMRI studies on hormonal modulation.
- Electrophysiological approaches (EEG/MEG) to neuroendocrine interactions.
- Computational modeling of the hormonal connectome.
- Clinical studies on endocrine-related neurological or psychiatric disorders.
- Effects of stress hormones, sex steroids and neuropeptides on functional brain architecture.
We look forward to receiving your contributions.
Dr. Valeria Paola Carlini
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- functional connectivity
- neuroendocrinology
- hormonal modulation
- connectomics
- brain network dynamics
- neuroplasticity
- psychoneuroendocrinology
- steroid hormones
- cognitive neuroscience
- resting state fMRI
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