Cell and Molecular Mechanisms of Cytogenesis
A special issue of Cells (ISSN 2073-4409).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 March 2026 | Viewed by 53
Special Issue Editors
Interests: neurogenesis; gliogenesis; epigenetics; transcription factors; depression; neural circuits
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Cytogenesis, the process by which new cells are generated, is essential for neural tissue development, maintenance, and repair. This mechanism remains active not only during embryonic development but also throughout postnatal life and adulthood, where cellular turnover and regeneration support homeostasis and enable responses to injury or disease.
In the central nervous system (CNS), cell genesis encompasses not only canonical mechanisms such as the differentiation of neural stem cells but also alternative routes, including local proliferation of mature cells and, in specific contexts, cellular reprogramming or dedifferentiation, contributing to functional and structural remodeling.
While neurogenesis, the generation of new neurons, has traditionally received the most attention, recent findings highlight the dynamic and functionally significant contributions of gliogenesis, including the formation of new astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, in both sustaining brain homeostasis and the response to pathological challenges. These processes influence synaptic remodeling, neurotransmission, and behavior, demonstrating their impact far beyond structural support.
Cytogenesis is orchestrated by a dynamic interplay between intrinsic genetic programs and extrinsic environmental cues that regulate cell fate specification, proliferation, differentiation, and maturation. Advances in molecular biology, high-resolution imaging, and single-cell omics have provided unprecedented insights into the transcriptional, epigenetic, and signaling pathways regulating these processes. Moreover, the growing understanding of cell-type-specific cytogenesis has opened new avenues for regenerative medicine and for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
This Special Issue of Cells invites original research and comprehensive reviews focused on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of CNS cell genesis in both physiological and pathological contexts. We welcome contributions exploring fundamental biological processes, innovative methodologies, and translational applications, including studies on signaling pathways, transcriptional regulators, cell–cell interactions, extracellular factors, and strategies to modulate cytogenic mechanisms for therapeutic purposes.
By consolidating diverse perspectives and recent advances, this Special Issue aims to advance our understanding of CNS cytogenesis and its contribution to brain function while supporting the design of future therapeutic strategies.
Dr. Luisa Alexandra Meireles Pinto
Dr. Teresa Correia Soares Canedo Calado
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- cytogenesis
- central nervous system
- neurogenesis
- gliogenesis
- neuroplasticity
- signaling pathways
- cell proliferation
- differentiation
- CNS homeostasis
- neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders
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