Neurochemical and Biochemical Mechanisms of Depressive Disorders
A special issue of Current Issues in Molecular Biology (ISSN 1467-3045). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Medicine".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 139
Special Issue Editors
Interests: neurodegeneration; neuroprotection; biomarkers; neuropsy-chobiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: neurodegeneration; neuroprotection; biomarkers; neuropsychobiology; neurophysiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
While the clinical burden of depressive disorders is well-documented, our understanding of the underlying molecular landscape is undergoing a paradigm shift. We are moving beyond the classical monoamine hypothesis toward a complex, integrated view of neurochemical signaling, metabolic dysregulation, and proteomic alterations. However, a challenge still remains: how do we translate these biochemical insights into next-generation pharmacological interventions?
This Special Issue, "Neurochemical and Biochemical Mechanisms of Depressive Disorders," seeks to bridge the gap between fundamental molecular research and clinical chemistry. We aim to showcase research that defines the precise biochemical "checkpoints" of depression—from aberrant signal transduction and oxidative stress to the metabolic signatures of treatment resistance.
Aim
This Special Issue aims to collect original research and authoritative reviews that
- Elucidate neurochemical pathways and molecular cascades driving depressive phenotypes.
- Identify biochemical biomarkers (proteomic, lipidomic, or metabolomic) for patient stratification.
- Evaluate the pharmacodynamics of novel compounds and their impact on cellular energetics and signaling homeostasis.
Scope
We invite submissions covering molecular, cellular, and biochemical perspectives on depression, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Signal Transduction and Proteomics: Alterations in GPCR signaling, neurotrophic factor cascades (BDNF/TrkB), and synaptic protein synthesis.
- Glutamatergic and GABAergic Biochemistry: Molecular mechanisms of NMDA/AMPA receptor modulation and excitation–inhibition (E/I) imbalance.
- Neuroinflammation and Redox Chemistry: The role of pro-inflammatory cytokines, microglial activation, oxidative stress markers, and antioxidant defense systems.
- Endocrine and Metabolic Signatures: Steroid biochemistry, HPA-axis molecular dynamics, and the "metabolic syndrome" of the brain.
- Mitochondrial Bioenergetics: Cellular respiration, ATP production, and mitophagy in the context of neuronal resilience.
- Epigenetic Biochemistry: DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA involvement in gene–environment interactions.
- Gut–Brain Neurochemistry: Biochemical signaling of the microbiome–gut–brain axis and its impact on systemic neurochemistry.
- Novel Pharmacotherapy: Biochemical characterization of rapid-acting antidepressants (e.g., ketamine and psychedelics) and targeted small-molecule inhibitors.
You may choose our Joint Special Issue in IJMS.
Dr. Ana B. Ramos-Hryb
Dr. Mauricio Peña Cunha
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- neurochemical signaling
- molecular psychiatry
- biochemical biomarkers
- synaptic plasticity
- neuroinflammation
- oxidative stress
- glutamatergic system
- proteomics and metabolomics
- signal transduction
- neuroendocrine
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