Epigenetic Regulation in Neuronal Development, Neurodegeneration, and Regeneration
A special issue of Cells (ISSN 2073-4409). This special issue belongs to the section "Cells of the Nervous System".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 December 2025 | Viewed by 10
Special Issue Editor
Interests: epigenetics; gene expression; DNA methylation; neural stem cell differentiation; adult brain function; somatic cell reprogramming
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The intricate interplay between epigenetic mechanisms and neuronal processes has emerged as a cornerstone of modern neuroscience, offering transformative insights into how the nervous system develops, adapts, and repairs itself. This Special Issue invites researchers to contribute cutting-edge work exploring the dynamic role of epigenetic regulation—spanning DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, and chromatin remodeling—in shaping neuronal development and regeneration.
Recent advances in technologies such as single-cell sequencing, CRISPR-based epigenome editing, and high-resolution imaging have revolutionized our understanding of how epigenetic landscapes guide neural stem cell differentiation, synaptic plasticity, and axon regeneration. Yet, critical questions remain: How do environmental cues, aging, or disease states interact with epigenetic machinery to influence neurodevelopment or repair? Can we harness epigenetic targets to promote recovery in neurodegenerative diseases or traumatic injuries?
This issue aims to bridge fundamental discoveries with translational applications, fostering dialog across disciplines including molecular biology, neurobiology, and clinical research. We welcome original research articles, reviews, and clinical studies addressing topics such as the following:
- Epigenetic control of neural stem cell fate and neurogenesis;
- Chromatin dynamics in synaptic plasticity and cognitive function;
- Epigenetic barriers to neuronal regeneration and strategies to overcome them;
- Cross-talk between metabolism, inflammation, and epigenetic pathways;
- Therapeutic interventions targeting epigenetic modifiers in neurodegeneration (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s) or spinal cord injury.
We encourage researchers to share their breakthroughs to advance this rapidly evolving field and inspire future therapeutic paradigms.
Prof. Dr. Guoping Fan
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Cells is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.
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
- epigenetic regulation
- neuronal development
- neuronal regeneration
- chromatin remodeling
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
